[Evaluation of cardiac murmurs in children]

Abstract

Background: Many normal children have heart murmurs, but most children do not have heart disease. Differentiation of innocent murmurs from those due to structural heart disease, pathological murmurs, is largely clinical.

Material and methods: This review is based upon the authors' own studies and PubMed searches.

Results: An appropriate history and a properly conducted physical examination can identify children at risk of significant heart disease.

Interpretation: If a murmur cannot clearly be labelled as innocent based on characteristics like sound quality, intensity, location and response to posture, then referral to a paediatric cardiologist is indicated. Other indications for referral are any sign or symptom of cardiovascular disease such as shortness of breath, cyanosis or decreased exercise tolerance. In addition, children with syndromes should, because of their high risk of congenital heart disease, be referred to a paediatric cardiologist for further evaluation.