Evaluating Chest Pain and Heart Murmurs in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients

Abstract

Chest pain and heart murmurs are common issues primary care providers must evaluate and manage. Both are a source of anxiety for patients, parents, and providers, necessitating evaluation and understanding to ensure appropriate management. Most pediatric chest pain can be treated symptomatically and with reassurance. This article examines the approach to pediatric chest pain including identification of key historical points, common causes of chest pain, and when to refer. The article also delineates our approach to auscultation, describes common benign murmurs, and offers suggestions on when to refer for further evaluation.

Keywords: Auscultation; Chest pain; Heart murmur; Innocent murmurs; Pediatrics.