Heart Murmur in Children: Care Instructions
Your Care Instructions
A heart murmur is a blowing, whooshing, or rasping sound made by blood moving through the heart or the blood vessels near the heart. Murmurs can be heard through a stethoscope.
Children often have murmurs that are a normal part of development and do not require treatment. Heart murmurs can also occur during an illness, especially if there is a fever. These murmurs usually are not a problem and go away on their own.
However, sometimes a heart murmur is a sign of a serious problem, such as congenital heart disease or heart valve problems, that may need treatment. Your child may need more tests to check his or her heart. The treatment depends on the specific heart problem causing the murmur.
Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.
How can you care for your child at home?
- Have your child take medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you think your child is having a problem with his or her medicine. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
- Encourage your child to have active playtime, unless the doctor says not to.
- Keep your child away from smoke. Do not smoke or let anyone else smoke around your child or in your house. Smoke harms a child's lungs and leads to an unhealthy heart.
When should you call for help?
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if your child has any problems.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter W323 in the search box to learn more about "Heart Murmur in Children: Care Instructions".
Current as of: June 24, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
