Heart Murmurs

There are a variety of words a parent can hear regarding their child that can instantly cause concern and worry. When a parent is told their infant or child has a murmur, it is usual for the parent to have instant worry. A murmur is a noise heard (via stethoscope) between the two heart sounds, or between the “lub – dub” that we associate as these sounds. 

Murmurs are divided into two categories – either INNOCENT or PATHOLOGICAL. An innocent murmur (also known as a functional murmur) is simply the sound of blood flowing through the heart and is NOT associated with abnormalities. In pre-schoolers and children most murmurs detected are innocent and require no treatment or intervention. These murmurs can also be heard at times and not heard at times. In babies from birth to 6 months, a murmur often is pathological which means the sound heard is due to some abnormality in the structure and/or function of the heart. These must be investigated and do require a referral to a cardiologist for detailed evaluation. A new onset murmur in older kids and teens likewise requires investigation, usually with a cardiologist also, to determine the cause.  The sound of any pathological murmur, in any age child, is totally different in quality than an innocent murmur and this will determine what course of action your pediatrician will take in the evaluation process once a murmur is detected.

It is important that the parent(s) know if their child has a murmur AND know whether it is an innocent murmur or not in the event that child needs an evaluation in other settings by other care providers.  It would be much less stressful to hear “Your child has a murmur” and be able to say “Yes, I know” than to be shocked by new information and worry what that may mean.  Also, innocent murmurs do not have to be disclosed to schools as that information is often misinterpreted which may lead to exclusion of the child in sports and other physical activities.  Remember that KNOWLEDGE IS KEY!