The evaluation of a heart murmur begins with a medical history and physical exam.

Physical findings in someone with a heart murmur may include:

• Irregular heart rate
• Leg swelling (bilateral)
• Swollen neck veins
• High blood pressure
• Sounds of lung congestion

Less common findings in someone with a heart murmur include:

• Jaundice
• Ascites
• Severe leg swelling (bilateral)

Testing is required to find the cause of a heart murmur.

Tests that may be used to evaluate a heart murmur may include:

• Complete blood count
• Serum BNP level
• Electrolytes
• Kidney profile
• Liver profile
• Thyroid profile
• Chest x-ray:
• Normal x-ray
• Enlarged heart
• Heart failure
• EKG
• MUGA scan
• Thallium heart scan
• Thallium stress test
• Echocardiography
• Cardiac catheterization
• Heart biopsy