R00-R09: Symptoms and signs involving the circulatory and respiratory systems

R01: Cardiac murmurs and other cardiac sounds

Cardiac murmurs and other cardiac sounds fall into a group of conditions characterized by abnormal noises heard during a heartbeat cycle. They can arise due to several causes, such as congenital heart defects, heart valve issues, or heart disease. These atypical sounds, though often harmless, can occasionally indicate a more serious cardiovascular issue. The noise itself is typically described as a whooshing or swishing sound, heard with a stethoscope during a physical exam. Cardiac murmurs can occur during systole (when the heart muscles contract) or diastole (when the heart muscles relax). Symptoms can vary significantly, ranging from no noticeable symptoms to signs such as light-headedness, shortness of breath, chest pain, or a rapid heartbeat. The symptoms, typical progress, and affected systems can largely depend on the underlying condition causing the unusual heart sounds.