What is a Heart Murmur?

A heart murmur is an extra sound heard during a heartbeat, often described as a whooshing or swishing noise. While this may sound concerning, most heart murmurs in children are harmless (innocent murmurs) and require no treatment. However, some murmurs may indicate an underlying heart condition, making early evaluation and monitoring essential.

Types of Heart Murmurs

Heart murmurs are classified into two main types:

• Innocent (Harmless) Murmurs
• Common in healthy children.
• Often disappear as the child grows.
• No symptoms or heart-related issues.
• Pathological (Abnormal) Murmurs
  
• May be linked to congenital heart defects or valve issues.
• Requires further evaluation to rule out underlying conditions.
• Symptoms may include shortness of breath, fatigue, or poor weight gain.

A proper medical assessment is necessary to determine the type of murmur and whether further testing is needed.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Most children with heart murmurs have no symptoms. However, if a murmur is linked to a heart condition, you may notice:

• Rapid breathing or shortness of breath – Especially during feeding or physical activity.
• Fatigue or weakness – Difficulty keeping up with other children.
• Poor weight gain – Trouble feeding in infants.
• Bluish tint to lips or fingertips (Cyanosis) – A sign of reduced oxygen levels.

If your child experiences any of these symptoms, consult a paediatrician for an evaluation.

Diagnosing Heart Murmurs

A thorough evaluation helps determine whether a murmur is innocent or requires further investigation. At NMC Royal Hospital, Dubai, we use:

• Comprehensive Physical Examination – Listening to the heart with a stethoscope.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) – Checking the heart’s electrical activity.
• Echocardiogram (Heart Ultrasound) – A detailed imaging test to assess heart structure and function.
• Chest X-ray – To evaluate heart size and detect abnormalities.

Early and accurate diagnosis ensures appropriate monitoring and care.

Managing Heart Murmurs

• Innocent murmurs do not require treatment and usually resolve with time.
• Pathological murmurs may require monitoring, medication, or specialist referral based on the underlying cause.
• Children with heart murmurs should have regular check-ups to ensure their heart is functioning normally.

Why Choose Dr Mahesh Katre in Dubai?

Choosing the right paediatrician is crucial for your child’s heart health. Here’s why families trust me:

• UK-Trained Expertise – Certified paediatric specialist with extensive experience in evaluating childhood heart murmurs, bringing this expertise to Dubai.
• Accurate Diagnosis & Monitoring – Using advanced cardiac testing and risk assessment.
• Personalised Care – Ensuring early detection and appropriate follow-up for all heart murmurs.
• Collaboration with Paediatric Cardiologists – Referring complex cases to leading heart specialists when needed.
• Trusted by Families in the UAE – Providing expert, family-centred paediatric care at NMC Royal Hospital, Dubai.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can an innocent heart murmur become serious over time?

No, innocent murmurs are harmless and usually fade as the child grows. They do not develop into heart conditions.

2. Does my child need medication for a heart murmur?

Most murmurs do not require treatment. If a murmur is linked to a heart condition, medication or monitoring may be needed by a pediatric cardiologist. 

3. How often should my child’s heart murmur be checked?

If the murmur is innocent, regular check-ups during routine visits are sufficient. If abnormal, follow-ups will be scheduled based on the diagnosis.

📍 Have more questions? Book an appointment with Dr Mahesh Katre at NMC Royal Hospital, Dubai today.