As a parent, discovering that your child has a heart murmur can be an anxiety-inducing experience. It may seem alarming at first to learn your child’s pediatrician is hearing an extra sound between the normal whooshing of blood flow when listening to your child’s heart. However, most heart murmurs are not serious and do not indicate a concerning medical condition. In many cases, it’s something benign. What may be cause for concern is if the heart murmur is accompanied by other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, excessive sweating, or a bluish tint to the skin. Thanks to modern medical technology, specifically the pediatric echocardiogram, our pediatric cardiology team at Miller Children’s Hospital in Long Beach can provide clear answers and peace of mind in cases that need further evaluation.
Understanding Heart Murmurs in Children
A heart murmur is simply an unusual sound heard between heartbeats, often resembling a whooshing or swishing noise. These sounds are categorized from 1 to 6, with 1 being faint and 6 being very loud. The types of murmurs include:
- Systolic murmur: a heart murmur that occurs when the heart contracts.
- Diastolic murmur: a heart murmur that occurs when the heart relaxes.
- Continuous murmur: a heart murmur that occurs throughout the entire heartbeat.
Many heart murmurs are harmless and known as "innocent murmurs." In some cases, however, a child may be born with a heart defect that causes a murmur. Other causes of heart murmurs include:
- Fever
- Infection
- Anemia (Low red blood cell count)
- Hyperthyroidism (Overactive thyroid gland)
- Heart valve disease
How Pediatric Echocardiograms Work
To determine the cause of the heart murmur, doctors use a pediatric echocardiogram, a non-invasive test that uses ultrasound to create images of the heart. This allows doctors to see the heart’s structure and function in real time.
The process of getting a pediatric echocardiogram is straightforward and painless. Your child will lie down on an examination table while a technician applies a gel to the chest. This gel helps the ultrasound device, called a transducer, to create clear images. The transducer sends sound waves into the chest, which then bounce back as echoes and are transformed into detailed images of the heart on a screen.
Benefits of Pediatric Echocardiograms
One of the main benefits of a pediatric echocardiogram is that it provides a comprehensive view of the heart without the need for surgery. It allows doctors to:
- Examine the heart’s chambers and valves
- Assess the heart’s pumping strength
- Detect congenital heart defects
- Identify issues with the heart’s structure and function
Recent Advancements in Pediatric Cardiology
The field of pediatric cardiology has seen several advancements in recent years, enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of diagnostics. If your child’s heart condition needs further evaluation, your pediatrician may order:
3D Echocardiography
The latest 3D echocardiography offers a more detailed view of the heart’s structure, allowing for better assessment and diagnosis of complex heart conditions. It provides a three-dimensional image that can be rotated and viewed from multiple angles, giving doctors a clearer understanding of the heart’s anomalies.
Strain Imaging
Strain imaging is another breakthrough that has been particularly useful in pediatric cardiology. This technique measures the deformation of the heart muscle during contraction and relaxation, helping to detect subtle abnormalities in heart function that might not be visible on standard echocardiograms.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in echocardiography has also been a significant advancement. AI algorithms can analyze echocardiogram images more quickly and accurately than traditional methods. They assist in identifying patterns and anomalies, ensuring that potential issues are not overlooked. This leads to faster and more precise diagnoses, which are critical in pediatric care.
What Parents Can Expect After the Echocardiogram
Once the echocardiogram is complete, a pediatric cardiologist will review the images and results. He or she will discuss the findings with you and explain whether the heart murmur is innocent or if further investigation and treatment are needed.
Providing Peace of Mind
While it’s natural to be concerned when you hear the word “heart murmur,” remember that a pediatric echocardiogram is a powerful tool in turning that uncertainty into a clear diagnosis. Recent advancements in the field have only enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of this diagnostic process.
Your Child’s Heart Care Starts Here
Parents should rest assured that medical technology is continually evolving to provide the best care for their children. The Children’s Heart Institute at Miller Children's & Women's Hospital provides total prenatal, infant, pediatric and young adult heart care for patients with congenital or acquired heart disease, patients who have a family history of heart problems, or kids and teens who are diagnosed with a congenital heart defect later in life. Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital is just one of eight freestanding children’s hospitals in California, making it a valuable resource for the region. Should there be any concerns about your child’s heart murmur, our health care team is here to guide you through every step, ensuring your child’s heart health is in the best hands.
Bio
David S. Chun, M.D., is board-certified in pediatrics and pediatric cardiology. Dr. Chun is a graduate of Pomona College, where he received his undergraduate degree in Biology. He then attended the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, earning his medical degree. Dr. Chun served his internship and completed his residency training in pediatrics at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He completed a fellowship in pediatric cardiology at Riley Hospital with a special interest in non-invasive imaging, including transesophageal and fetal echocardiography.
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