Heart Murmurs

Being told that your child has a heart murmur can be worrying. Many parents immediately fear the worst. The truth is that most heart murmurs in children are harmless and do not affect a child’s health or daily life.

Heart Murmurs in Children

Clear Answers and Calm Reassurance for Parents

Being told that your child has a heart murmur can be worrying. Many parents immediately fear the worst. The truth is that most heart murmurs in children are harmless and do not affect a child’s health or daily life.

At his pediatric practice, Dr. Mahesh Katre provides gentle evaluation and clear explanations, helping parents understand what a heart murmur means and whether any follow-up is needed.

The goal is always the same – to reassure families while ensuring every child gets the right care.

What Is a Heart Murmur?

A heart murmur is an extra sound heard during a heartbeat.
It is picked up when the doctor listens to the chest using a stethoscope.

In children:
  • Many heart murmurs are completely normal
  • These are often called innocent or functional murmurs
  • They usually appear during growth spurts or illness
  • They often disappear as the child grows

Not every murmur means a heart problem.

Signs Parents Often Notice

Most children with harmless heart murmurs:
  • Play normally
  • Eat well
  • Grow as expected
  • Do not feel unwell
In some cases, parents may notice:
  • Tiring easily during play
  • Fast or heavy breathing
  • Poor weight gain in babies
  • Bluish lips or fingers (rare)

If any of these are present, further checks may be advised.

How Heart Murmurs Are Checked

Care is calm, child-friendly, and thorough.

Dr. Mahesh:
  • Carefully listens to your child’s heart
  • Checks growth, activity levels, and overall health
  • Explains what type of murmur is heard in simple words
  • Advises whether the murmur is harmless or needs monitoring
  • Guides parents clearly on next steps

Parents always leave knowing what the murmur means for their child.

Do Heart Murmurs Affect a Child’s Daily Life?

In most cases, children with innocent heart murmurs:
  • Can play freely
  • Can attend school without restrictions
  • Do not need medication
  • Do not need lifestyle changes

If monitoring is required, parents are clearly guided on follow-up and any precautions, if needed.

When Should Parents Seek Medical Advice?

It is a good idea to consult a pediatrician if:
  • A heart murmur is detected during a routine check-up
  • Your child has symptoms such as breathlessness or poor growth
  • There is a family history of heart conditions
  • You feel anxious or unsure as a parent

Early evaluation provides clarity and peace of mind.

Reassurance for Parents

Heart murmurs are very common in childhood.
Most are harmless and improve with time.

What matters most is having a pediatrician who listens carefully, explains clearly, and supports your family calmly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Heart murmurs are very common in babies and children. Many are harmless and related to normal blood flow during growth.

No. Most heart murmurs in children are innocent and do not indicate heart disease. Further tests are advised only if needed.

Not always. Many murmurs can be identified as harmless through examination alone. If tests are needed, parents are guided clearly and calmly.

Most children with innocent murmurs can play and exercise normally without restrictions.

Many innocent murmurs fade or disappear as children grow older.

Murmurs can become more noticeable during fever or illness and often settle once the child recovers.