How are Heart Murmurs Diagnosed in Children?
How are Heart Murmurs Diagnosed in Children?A child’s heart murmur is initially diagnosed by a doctor listening to the heart with a stethoscope. The doctor will grade the heart murmur on a scale of 1 to 6. They will also listen for the pitch of the murmur and evaluate the location on the chest where it is loudest and if it radiates to other body parts. They may possibly order additional tests or refer you to a pediatric cardiologist.
Additional tests for a heart murmur can include:
- Echocardiogram. This test uses sound waves to create an image of the heart beating and blood flow through the valves. This test assesses the function of the pumping chambers of the heart, the function of the heart valves, and the structure of the heart for any abnormalities.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). During this test, electrodes (sticky sensor pads) are placed on the chest to measure the electrical activity of the heart. This test can assess for abnormal heart rhythms and also any strain to the heart.
- Chest X-ray. This imaging test can look for abnormalities—such as heart enlargement or fluid in the lungs—that can be associated with heart murmurs.
How are Heart Murmurs Treated in Children?
How are Heart Murmurs Treated in Children?Most children with heart murmurs don’t develop any additional symptoms, and no treatment is required. If a heart murmur develops in an anemic child, or a child with a fever, the heart murmur usually disappears when the condition is treated.
For children with a pathological heart murmur, the treatment entirely depends on the underlying cause. In cases of a congenital heart defect or disease, referral to a pediatric cardiologist is necessary. And medication or surgery may be required to treat the issue that’s causing the heart murmur.
FAQs
Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Childhood Heart Murmur Treatment
Learning that your child has a heart murmur may be disconcerting news for a parent. Pediatric heart murmurs are common. Most murmurs are innocent and cause no symptoms, and won’t require treatment or limit your child’s development or activities.
If your child has a heart murmur and is experiencing concerning symptoms, the doctors and pediatric heart specialists at NewYork-Presbyterian are here to help determine the cause and provide expert solutions. For the best in compassionate pediatric heart care, reach out to NewYork-Presbyterian for a consultation or appointment.