Children's Cardiology Group
Pediatric Cardiologists located in Orange, CA & Mission Viejo, CA
Heart murmurs are very common, and often not anything to worry about. Nonetheless, you should always have a heart murmur assessed by a cardiologist to determine if additional treatment is needed. At Children’s Cardiology Group in Orange, Newport Beach and Mission Viejo, California, the team of board-certified pediatric cardiologists provides expert diagnosis of heart murmurs and appropriate, personalized treatment plans when necessary. If your pediatrician has identified a potential heart murmur, call Children’s Cardiology Group or make an appointment online today.
Heart Murmurs Q & A What is a heart murmur?
A heart murmur is an abnormal sound that occurs during the heartbeat cycle. Heart murmurs often sound like whooshing or swishing and are made by turbulent blood in or around your heart.
Heart murmurs are classified as normal or abnormal. Normal heart murmurs are also called “innocent,” “functional,” or “physiologic.” Normal heart murmurs aren’t due to structural heart abnormalities. Instead, they develop during a fever or a growth spurt. They’re harmless and don’t need treatment.
Abnormal or pathologic heart murmurs, on the other hand, are due to structural problems like a hole in your heart, a narrow valve, or a leaky valve.
In some cases, a doctor can determine if a heart murmur is innocent or pathologic with a physical exam and a review of your child’s medical history. However, you should consult with a member of the team of board-certified pediatric cardiologists at Children’s Cardiology Group for an expert assessment.
What are the symptoms of a heart murmur?
Innocent heart murmurs don’t usually cause any other symptoms. Abnormal heart murmurs might also be asymptomatic. However, you should make an appointment immediately if your child has any other signs of a cardiovascular health problem, such as:
Blue or gray skin (cyanosis)
Swelling
Sudden weight gain
Shortness of breath
Chronic cough
Chest pain
Dizziness
Fainting
Most of the time, heart murmurs are initially identified during a routine check-up or a sick visit.
How are heart murmurs diagnosed?
If your child has a heart murmur, the team at Children’s Cardiology Group provides comprehensive testing to diagnose its cause and determine what treatment is necessary. Your pediatric cardiologist offers a thorough exam and may order tests, including chest X-rays, electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, or cardiac catheterization.
How are heart murmurs treated?
The team of board-certified pediatric cardiologists provides personalized treatment plans to address your child’s specific needs.
Innocent or functional heart murmurs are benign. Treatment is not needed.
However, if your child has a structural abnormality, an intervention may be necessary.
If your child has a heart murmur, call Children’s Cardiology Group or make an appointment online today to find out what’s causing it and get the treatment they need.