Are innocent heart murmurs normal?
Innocent murmurs are common in children and are quite harmless. In any group of children, a large percentage is likely to have had one at some time. Innocent murmurs also may disappear and then reappear. Most innocent murmurs disappear when a child reaches adulthood, but some adults still have them. When a child’s heart rate changes, such as during excitement or fear, the innocent murmurs may become louder or softer. This still doesn’t mean that the murmur is abnormal. Sometimes, when a doctor first hears the murmur through a stethoscope, he or she may want to have other tests done to be sure the murmur is innocent. After that, there’s no need for a cardiac reevaluation unless the patient or doctor has more questions. The child doesn’t need medication, won’t have cardiac symptoms, and doesn’t have a heart problem or heart disease. A parent doesn’t need to pamper the child or restrict his or her diet or activities. The child can be as active as any other normal, healthy child.
