Heart Murmurs: A Guide for Parents

What Are Heart Murmurs?

A heart murmur is a sound made by turbulent blood flow in or near your child’s heart. Doctors often describe it as a “whooshing” or “swishing” sound heard through a stethoscope during a routine check-up.


Not all murmurs indicate a heart problem. Many children have innocent murmurs, which are harmless and don’t require treatment. However, pathological murmurs may signal underlying issues like valve problems or congenital heart defects, which may need further evaluation and treatment.



Dr Yousssef, Paediatric Cardiology Kogarah & Westmead

How Do Heart Murmurs Affect Health?

Heart murmurs are not diseases themselves but can indicate an underlying issue. Their impact depends on the cause:

  • Innocent murmurs: These are harmless, do not cause symptoms, and usually resolve independently or remain stable without treatment.
  • Pathological murmurs: These may cause symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or chest pain. If left untreated, they can lead to complications like heart failure or poor blood flow.


Common Causes of Heart Murmurs in Children

Innocent (Functional) Murmurs:

  • Common in healthy children.
  • Often related to faster blood flow due to growth, fever, or physical activity.


Congenital Heart Defects:

  • Structural abnormalities present at birth, such as:
  • Holes in the heart (septal defects).
  • Valve abnormalities, like stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leaky valves).


Infections and Illnesses:

  • Conditions like rheumatic fever or endocarditis can damage the heart valves.


Increased Blood Flow:

  • Temporary murmurs may occur during pregnancy, fever, anaemia, or hyperthyroidism.


Symptoms to Watch For

While many murmurs are symptom-free, the following signs may indicate an underlying issue:

  • Shortness of breath during play or at rest.
  • Fatigue or difficulty keeping up with peers.
  • Chest pain or discomfort.
  • Swelling in the legs, feet, or abdomen.
  • Bluish skin tone (cyanosis), especially around the lips or fingertips.
  • Fainting or dizziness, particularly during activity.


Diagnosing Heart Murmurs

A doctor may recommend the following tests to determine the cause of your child’s murmur:

  • Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound to create detailed images of the heart’s structure and function.
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): Measures the heart’s electrical activity to detect rhythm issues or heart strain.
  • Chest X-ray: Checks for heart enlargement or fluid buildup in the lungs.
  • Cardiac MRI or Catheterization: More detailed imaging or testing may be needed in rare cases.


Treating Heart Murmurs

Treatment depends on the type and cause of the murmur:

  • Innocent Murmurs: These do not require treatment or restrictions. Routine monitoring during check-ups is sufficient.
  • Pathological Murmurs: Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying condition:
  • Medications to manage symptoms or improve heart function.
  • Procedures or Surgery to repair or replace defective valves, close heart defects, or address other structural issues.
  • Monitoring for milder cases that don’t require immediate intervention.


Supporting Your Child’s Heart Health

As a parent, you can take steps to ensure your child’s heart remains healthy:

  • Provide a balanced diet: Encourage fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting processed foods.
  • Promote regular activity: Keep your child active within their physical limits.
  • Stay on top of medical care: Attend regular check-ups and follow the doctor’s advice.
  • Prevent infections:
  • Practice good oral hygiene to reduce the risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream.
  • Treat strep throat promptly to prevent rheumatic fever.


What Happens if a Heart Murmur is Untreated?

For innocent murmurs, there is no risk or need for intervention. However, untreated pathological murmurs can lead to:

  • Heart enlargement: The heart works harder to compensate for valve or structural issues.
  • Heart failure: The heart may lose its ability to pump blood effectively.
  • Blood clots or infections: Certain conditions increase the risk of stroke or endocarditis.
  • Fatigue and poor growth: Inadequate blood flow can affect development.


Early detection and treatment can prevent these complications and improve your child’s quality of life.


Reassurance for Parents

Many heart murmurs are harmless and don’t require treatment. Even when a murmur is linked to an underlying issue, advances in medical care mean most children can lead active, healthy lives.


If your doctor has detected a heart murmur in your child, don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek a referral to a paediatric cardiologist for a detailed evaluation. You can ensure your child’s heart stays strong and healthy with the right care. ❤️