Q. What are the common causes of heart murmurs?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Certainly, let's dive into the common causes of heart murmurs. A heart murmur is essentially an abnormal sound heard during your heartbeat, and it can result from various factors. Here are the key causes:

1. Valvular Issues: Often, heart murmurs are linked to problems with heart valves. These valves, like the mitral or aortic valves, control the flow of blood within the heart. Conditions such as valve stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leakage) can lead to murmurs.

2. Structural Abnormalities: Congenital heart defects, which are present at birth, can cause murmurs. These defects might involve holes in the heart walls or abnormal blood vessels.

3. Fever and Infection: Infections, particularly in the lining of the heart (endocarditis), can result in murmurs. High fever can also lead to a condition called "innocent" or "functional" murmur, which usually resolves on its own.

4. Anemia: Low levels of red blood cells (anemia) can lead to a heart murmur as the heart compensates for the decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

5. Rapid Blood Flow: Sometimes, increased blood flow through the heart and blood vessels, like during pregnancy or high thyroid activity, can cause functional murmurs.

6. Age: As we age, changes in the heart's structure can also lead to heart murmurs. These are often innocent murmurs and not typically associated with underlying health issues.

7. Medications and Stimulants: Certain medications and stimulants, like amphetamines, can create murmurs due to their effects on heart function.

Remember, not all heart murmurs are a cause for concern. Innocent murmurs, often heard in children, may not require treatment. However, it's crucial to have any new or unexplained heart murmur evaluated by a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and necessary steps for management or treatment. Your heart's health is nothing to take lightly.

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Q. Hello Doctor, from past 3 weeks I have too much dandruff problem and it cause hair loss will you suggest any best solution for this?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Dealing with excessive dandruff leading to hair loss can be frustrating, but there are effective ways to address this issue. Here's what you can do:

1. Switch to a Gentle Shampoo: Opt for shampoos specifically designed for dandruff, containing ingredients like ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, coal tar, or selenium sulfide. Use these shampoos regularly to reduce dandruff buildup.

2. Scalp Massage: Gently massage your scalp while shampooing to help remove flakes and improve blood circulation, which can promote healthier hair growth.

3. Avoid Hot Water: Wash your hair with lukewarm water instead of hot water, as hot water can dry out your scalp and worsen dandruff.

4. Balanced Diet: Ensure you're eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals essential for healthy hair and scalp, such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and B vitamins.

5. Manage Stress: Stress can exacerbate dandruff problems. Practice stress-relief techniques like meditation, yoga, or regular exercise to help manage stress levels.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse: Consider using diluted apple cider vinegar as a rinse after shampooing. It can help restore the scalp's pH balance and reduce dandruff.

7. Consult a Dermatologist: If the issue persists despite trying home remedies or over-the-counter solutions, seek advice from a dermatologist. They can provide a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific scalp condition.

Remember, consistency is key when dealing with dandruff. Give these remedies some time to work, as immediate results might not always occur. It's essential to find what works best for your scalp, so don't get discouraged if you don't see immediate improvements.

Taking care of your scalp health not only addresses dandruff but also aids in reducing hair loss associated with this issue. Feel free to incorporate these tips into your routine and observe how your scalp responds. If the problem persists or worsens, seeking professional guidance is always recommended.

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