Your Child Has An Innocent Heart Murmur
What is an Innocent Heart Murmur?
When blood is circulating through the chambers and valves of the heart, sounds are made. Sounds can also be made as the blood goes through the vessels near the heart. These sounds can be called an "innocent murmur," "functional murmur," "vibratory murmur" or "physiologic murmur."
If your doctor says he or she hears such a sound or murmur, don't be afraid. The name is just as it says - innocent and normal.
How Are They heard?
When listening through a stethoscope to your child's heart, the doctor can hear these sounds. Heart rates and the loudness of the murmur may change if your child is excited, scared or sick. This does not mean the murmur is abnormal.
Sometimes, when the murmur is first heard, your doctor may want to have additional tests done to make sure the murmur is innocent.
Are Innocent Murmurs Common?
Yes - innocent murmurs are very common. They are also harmless. Within a group of children, many may have had one at some time. Innocent murmurs can disappear and then be heard again. When a child grows up, an innocent murmur may disappear. Murmurs may also persist into adulthood.
If you have been told that your child has an innocent heart murmur, please do not worry. Your child's heart is normal. There should be no need for medications, nor should there be any cardiac symptoms. Your child does not have heart disease or a heart problem.
Should I Restrict Physical Activities?
No. Your child can be as active as any normal, healthy child. No activity or diet restrictions are necessary.