Heart Murmurs in Babies: When to Wait, When to Seek Medical Attention
Every parent’s biggest hope is to have a healthy baby, and doctors and midwives work alongside them to make that happen. Mothers do their part by eating well, going to regular checkups, and following advice from healthcare providers. On the other hand, doctors and midwives keep a close eye on both mom and baby, using tools like ultrasounds and other tests to make sure everything is on track. These combined efforts have made a huge difference. For example, studies show that most moms now attend at least four prenatal visits during pregnancy, which helps keep babies safer and healthier.
But keeping babies healthy doesn’t stop once they’re born. After delivery, newborns go through important checkups to spot any hidden problems. One of these checks involves listening to the baby’s heart. The doctor looks for any unusual sounds, like a heart murmur. While the term “heart murmur” might sound scary, not all murmurs are serious.
What Is a Heart Murmur?
A heart murmur is an extra sound doctors hear when they listen to a baby’s heartbeat using a stethoscope. Normally, a heartbeat makes a clear “lub-dub” sound as blood flows through the heart. A murmur adds a soft whooshing or swishing noise in between these beats. This extra sound usually happens when blood isn’t flowing as smoothly as it normally does.
During a baby’s checkup, the doctor will carefully listen to their chest to check how their heart sounds. If they hear a murmur, it doesn’t always mean something is wrong. Some murmurs are innocent, meaning they aren’t harmful and often go away as the baby grows. However, in some cases, a murmur can signal a heart problem that needs attention.
Is It Dangerous?
Most heart murmurs aren’t dangerous at all. They don’t cause symptoms and don’t bother the baby. But some murmurs can mean there’s an issue with how the heart is built or how well it’s working. That’s why doctors investigate further if they suspect a problem.
Causes of Heart Murmurs in Babies
Normal Blood Flow
Innocent murmurs are caused by normal blood flow. They don’t harm the baby and usually fade as the child grows.
Heart Defects at Birth
Sometimes, there are tiny holes in the heart or abnormal valves that can cause a murmur. These are called congenital heart defects.
Health Conditions
Other issues like anemia (low red blood cell levels), fever, or thyroid problems can also lead to murmurs.
Symptoms of Heart Murmurs in Babies
While most murmurs don’t cause any problems, it’s good to watch for signs that might mean the murmur is linked to a heart issue, such as:
- Trouble feeding or not gaining weight properly
- Breathing fast or hard
- Lips or fingertips turning bluish (known as cyanosis)
- Sweating a lot during feedings
- Being extra tired or fussy
How Serious Is a Heart Murmur in Babies and Children?
It’s natural to worry when you hear the words “heart murmur,” but not all murmurs are dangerous. Many are completely harmless and are called innocent murmurs. These are just extra sounds made by normal blood flow through a healthy heart. However, some murmurs, known as abnormal murmurs, might indicate a heart issue that needs attention. Here’s how to tell the difference and what you should know.
Innocent vs. Abnormal Murmurs
Innocent Murmurs
These are common in babies and children, especially as they grow. They happen because blood flows quickly through the heart during times like fever, excitement, or growth spurts. The heart itself is healthy, and these murmurs usually go away on their own. For example, your doctor might listen to your baby’s heart and say, “It sounds like an innocent murmur, nothing to worry about.”
Abnormal Murmurs
These suggest something might be wrong with the heart, like a small hole (a congenital heart defect) or a problem with the valves that control blood flow. These murmurs might need further tests to find out what’s causing them.
When to Worry About a Heart Murmur
Sometimes a murmur can be a sign of an issue. Look out for these signs and talk to your doctor if you notice them:
1. Feeding Problems or Poor Weight Gain
A baby who has trouble feeding, tires out while nursing, or doesn’t gain weight as expected might have a heart issue. This happens because their heart could be working too hard.
2. Fast or Hard Breathing
Rapid breathing or difficulty catching their breath, especially when your baby is resting, could be linked to a heart problem.
3. Bluish Skin (Cyanosis)
If your baby’s lips, tongue, or fingertips have a bluish tint, it could mean their heart isn’t getting enough oxygen-rich blood to the body.
4. Sweating During Feeding or Rest
If your baby sweats a lot while eating or even while they’re calm, it might mean their heart is under stress.
5. Doctor Recommends Testing
If your pediatrician hears a murmur that seems unusual—like one that’s louder than normal—or suspects a problem, they may suggest an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) or other tests to learn more.
6. Family History of Heart Conditions
If heart problems run in the family, your baby’s murmur might need extra attention since some heart issues can be genetic.
When It’s Okay to Wait
Not every murmur needs immediate attention. Here’s when it’s usually fine to just wait and monitor:
1. It’s an Innocent Murmur
If the doctor checks your baby’s heart and determines it’s an innocent murmur, there’s no need to worry. These murmurs are harmless and don’t need treatment.
2. No Other Symptoms
If your baby is feeding well, gaining weight, and breathing normally, the murmur is likely not a concern. Innocent murmurs don’t cause any visible problems.
3. Doctor Suggests Regular Checkups
Sometimes doctors like to keep an ear on the murmur during routine visits. This is just a precaution to make sure everything stays normal over time.
4. The Murmur Fades Over Time
Innocent murmurs often go away as the child grows. For example, a murmur heard in early infancy might be completely gone by the time they’re a toddler.
Heart Murmur in Babies: Treatment and Management
When it comes to treating a heart murmur in babies, how it’s handled depends on whether it’s innocent or linked to a heart problem. Innocent murmurs don’t need treatment, while abnormal murmurs may require medical attention. Here’s a simple guide to understanding the steps doctors may take to manage and treat heart murmurs.
1. Monitoring Innocent Murmurs
For most babies with innocent murmurs, no treatment is necessary because the heart is perfectly healthy. Your doctor will simply listen to your baby’s heartbeat during regular checkups to ensure everything remains normal. These murmurs usually go away as the child gets older and their heart develops further.
2. Treating Underlying Heart Conditions
If a murmur is caused by a heart condition, the focus will be on addressing the root of the problem. Sometimes, small heart defects, such as a hole in the heart, can heal on their own over time without intervention. For more significant issues, medical treatments or procedures might be needed to fix them.
3. Medication
For certain heart defects, your doctor might suggest medications to help support your baby’s heart function. For example, these medicines could reduce fluid buildup, improve blood flow, or help the heart work more efficiently. Medication is often used to manage symptoms while waiting to see if the heart issue improves naturally or to prepare for further treatment if needed.
4. Non-Surgical Options
Some heart conditions can be treated without surgery using a special procedure known as a catheterization. This involves sliding a small tube into the heart to fix problems like closing a small hole or opening a narrowed valve. It’s a low-risk procedure with a quicker recovery time compared to surgery.
5. Surgery (If Required)
For more serious heart conditions that don’t improve on their own, surgery might be the best option. Doctors use surgery to repair heart defects like holes, valve problems, or other structural issues in the heart. Thanks to advancements in medical care, most babies recover well after heart surgery and can grow up healthy and strong.
6. Ongoing Care
After treatment—or even if your baby’s murmur is harmless—regular checkups are essential to monitor their heart health. A pediatric cardiologist might keep an eye on your baby’s condition as they grow to ensure there are no new concerns. These visits also help parents feel informed and prepared to care for their child’s health.
7. Support for Parents
If your baby is diagnosed with a heart murmur, your doctor will guide you through what to watch for, like feeding challenges or unusual symptoms. They’ll also answer your questions and provide reassurance, especially if the murmur is harmless and doesn’t need treatment.
Why Early Attention to Heart Murmurs Matters
Hearing that your baby has a heart murmur can feel worrying, but the good news is that most murmurs are harmless. Still, it’s important to have them checked early. Early evaluation of a murmur allows doctors to identify any possible heart problems and ensure your baby receives the proper care, if necessary.
Getting answers early not only helps your baby stay healthy but also gives you peace of mind as a parent. You’ll know whether the murmur is something to watch or just a harmless sound that will go away as your baby grows.
You’re not alone in this. Your doctor and care team are there to guide you every step of the way. Early treatment of heart murmurs gives your child the best chance to develop and flourish. Trust the process, ask questions, and know that your baby’s heart is being carefully cared for.
