Heart murmurs are sounds produced by the flow of blood through the valves and chambers of the heart.  There are different kinds of murmurs a doctor can recognize, usually just by listening.  He or she can tell whether a murmur is harmless or indicates a heart condition.

When the doctor says a child has an innocent heart murmur, it may seem alarming.   An innocent murmur is just what the name implies -- innocent or normal.  It is sometimes described as a "functional" or "vibratory" murmur. Innocent murmurs are common in children and are quite harmless.  In fact, they are so common that in any group of children, a large percentage are likely to have had one at some time.  Innocent murmurs may also disappear and then reappear, but many innocent murmurs disappear for good when a child reaches adulthood. With the murmur present or gone, however, your child's heart is normal.

If you have been told that your child has an innocent or harmless murmur, this means your child's heart is entirely normal.  He or she needs no medications and will have no cardiac symptoms.  Your boy or girl can be as active as any other well child should be.

Sometimes heart murmurs are hard to interpret.  Your family physician may need to consult a doctor who specializes in children's hearts.  This doctor is called a Pediatric Cardiologist.  In addition to a general examination, your child's cardiologist may need other tests to evaluate the heart and will explain these tests to you.

We understand that it may not be easy to examine a child because he or she may be restless or afraid. As specialists in children's health care, together with you as parents, we will make every effort to ease your child's fears and help him or her through these tests.

Parents should feel free to discuss with their doctor any doubts or fears they have about heart murmurs.  The doctor will be glad to explain the findings of the heart examination.