Differential Diagnosis for New Onset Heart Murmur
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Mitral Valve Prolapse: This condition is relatively common and can cause a new onset heart murmur. It occurs when the two valve flaps of the mitral valve do not close smoothly or evenly, but instead bulge (prolapse) upward into the left atrium when the heart contracts.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: A condition characterized by thickening of the heart muscle that can lead to obstruction of blood flow and a heart murmur. It's a common cause of sudden cardiac death in young athletes.
- Aortic Stenosis: Narrowing of the aortic valve opening, which can cause a heart murmur. It's more common in older adults and can be due to age-related wear and tear or congenital conditions.
- Mitral Regurgitation: A condition where the mitral valve does not close tightly, allowing blood to flow backward into the left atrium, often causing a heart murmur.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Endocarditis: An infection of the heart valves, which can present with a new heart murmur. It's crucial to diagnose promptly as it can be life-threatening if not treated appropriately.
- Aortic Dissection: A tear in the inner layer of the aorta, which can cause a new onset heart murmur among other symptoms. It's a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
- Pulmonary Embolism: A blockage of an artery in the lungs, which can indirectly cause a heart murmur due to increased pressure on the right side of the heart. It's a potentially life-threatening condition that needs urgent diagnosis and treatment.
Rare Diagnoses
- Ebstein's Anomaly: A congenital heart defect where the tricuspid valve is abnormally formed and the right ventricle is small. It can cause a heart murmur and is often associated with other heart defects.
- Cardiac Tumors: Abnormal growths in the heart, such as myxomas, which can cause a heart murmur by obstructing blood flow or interfering with valve function.
- Marfan Syndrome: A genetic disorder that affects the body's connective tissue, which can lead to problems with the heart valves and aorta, potentially causing a heart murmur.