 An innocent heart murmur is an extra heart sound that is a common occurrence. Over half of all people will have a detectable innocent murmur during their childhood. The closing of heart valves (flaps controlling blood flow between heart chambers) produces heart sounds with each heartbeat. Sometimes these valves do not completely close so the blood flows backward into the previous changer, making a small noise. This is a normal occurrence and does not indicate disease. Innocent murmurs are usually not audible all of the time.
Symptoms may include:
What your doctor can do:
- Diagnose the innocent murmur by asking about symptoms and doing a physical exam.
What you can do:
- Observe for any symptoms.
- Be sure to keep check-up appointments; your doctor can tell if persistent murmurs need further testing.
What you can expect:
- Innocent murmurs are not harmful and should not interfere with your child's activity or health in any way.
- Most disappear as children get older.
Contact your doctor if your child has symptoms of an innocent murmur.
Contact Lake Area Pediatrics at
(936) 582-5620
| 