Heart murmurs are relatively common in children and are often detected during routine physical exams. A heart murmur is an unusual sound heard between heartbeats, typically caused by turbulent blood flow in or near the heart. While many heart murmurs are harmless, known as “innocent” murmurs, others can be a sign of an underlying heart condition that requires medical attention. At Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine, we provide expert diagnosis and care for children with heart murmurs, ensuring that your child’s heart health is monitored and treated appropriately.
What Is a Heart Murmur?
A heart murmur is a whooshing or swishing sound that can be heard when blood flows more turbulently than usual through the heart. It is detected using a stethoscope during a physical exam. Innocent heart murmurs are common in children and typically pose no health risks, often resolving on their own as the child grows. However, some heart murmurs may be related to more serious conditions, such as congenital heart defects or valve abnormalities, requiring further evaluation by a pediatric cardiologist.
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Types of Heart Murmurs
Innocent (Functional) Murmurs
These murmurs are not associated with any heart abnormalities and do not require treatment. They are common in children and can be caused by normal blood flow, often becoming less noticeable as the child grows.
Pathologic (Abnormal) Murmurs
These murmurs may indicate an underlying heart problem, such as a congenital heart defect, heart valve disease, or other cardiac conditions. Pathologic murmurs require further testing and, in some cases, treatment.
Symptoms of Heart Murmurs
Most children with innocent heart murmurs have no symptoms and may never experience any heart-related problems. However, if the murmur is caused by an underlying heart condition, other symptoms may be present.
These symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath especially during physical activity
- Fatigue or weakness during everyday activities
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Dizziness or fainting
- Bluish tint to the lips, skin, or nails (cyanosis), indicating reduced oxygen levels
- Poor growth or weight gain, particularly in infants
If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention for further evaluation.
Diagnosing Heart Murmurs in Children
If a heart murmur is detected during a routine exam, our pediatric cardiologists at Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine will perform additional tests to determine whether the murmur is innocent or related to a more serious heart condition. These tests help assess the structure and function of the heart.
Common Diagnostic Tests Include:
Echocardiogram
This ultrasound imaging test creates detailed pictures of the heart’s structure, allowing doctors to detect any abnormalities in the heart’s chambers, valves, or blood vessels.
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
This test records the electrical activity of the heart and can help detect irregular heartbeats or other heart problems.
Chest X-ray
A chest X-ray provides images of the heart and lungs, helping to evaluate the size and shape of the heart and check for any signs of abnormality.
Treatment for Heart Murmurs
Treatment for heart murmurs depends on whether the murmur is innocent or related to an underlying condition. Innocent murmurs usually don’t require any treatment and may disappear as the child grows. For murmurs caused by a heart problem, treatment will focus on addressing the underlying condition.
Treatment Options Include:
Observation
If the heart murmur is innocent, regular monitoring during routine check-ups is usually all that’s needed.
Medications
For heart conditions such as valve problems or high blood pressure, medications may be prescribed to manage symptoms and improve heart function.
Surgical intervention
In cases where the heart murmur is due to a congenital heart defect, surgery may be necessary to repair the heart’s structure and restore normal blood flow.
Our pediatric cardiologists will work with you to determine the best treatment plan for your child, ensuring that their heart health is monitored and managed over time.
Long-Term Outlook for Children with Heart Murmurs
Most children with innocent heart murmurs lead healthy, active lives without any limitations. For those with heart murmurs related to congenital heart defects or other conditions, early detection and appropriate treatment can improve long-term outcomes. Regular follow-up visits with a pediatric cardiologist will ensure that your child’s heart health is carefully monitored as they grow.
Frequently Asked Questions About Heart Murmurs
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Most heart murmurs are harmless and don’t cause any health problems. However, some murmurs may be related to underlying heart conditions that need treatment.
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Heart murmurs are detected during a physical exam when a doctor listens to the heart with a stethoscope. If a murmur is detected, further testing may be recommended to evaluate the heart’s structure.
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Innocent heart murmurs do not require treatment. If the murmur is caused by a heart condition, treatment will depend on the underlying cause, which could include medications or surgery.
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Children with innocent heart murmurs can typically participate in all physical activities, including sports. If the murmur is related to a heart condition, your pediatric cardiologist will provide guidance on any activity restrictions.
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Many innocent heart murmurs resolve on their own as the child grows. However, heart murmurs related to underlying conditions may require long-term management.
Schedule an Appointment for Heart Murmur Evaluation in Atlanta
If your child has been diagnosed with a heart murmur or is experiencing symptoms of a heart condition, contact Intown Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine to schedule an evaluation. Our pediatric cardiologists provide expert care for children with heart murmurs, ensuring the best possible outcomes for your child’s heart health.