Heart Murmurs in Cats: What You Should Know About Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the muscular walls of the left ventricle (the main pumping chamber of the heart) become abnormally thick. This reduces the heart’s ability to fill with blood and, over time, can lead to heart failure or dangerous blood clots. HCM is the most common form of heart disease in cats, particularly in breeds like Maine Coons, Ragdolls, and American Shorthairs, but it can affect any cat—purebred or mixed.
Understanding Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease in Dogs
If your dog has been diagnosed with a heart murmur, there’s a good chance it’s due to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD)—the most common type of acquired heart disease in adult dogs. This condition is especially prevalent in small-breed dogs like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, and Toy Poodles.
Understanding Heart Murmurs in Dogs and Cats
Hearing that your dog or cat has a heart murmur can be unsettling—but it doesn’t always mean something serious is going on. A heart murmur is an abnormal sound heard during a physical exam with a stethoscope. Instead of the usual “lub-dub” of a healthy heartbeat, a murmur may sound like a whooshing or swishing noise. This happens when there’s turbulent blood flow within the heart.