Heart Murmurs – Childhood Heart Problems

A medical examination of children can often bring emotionally charged moments for parents. When the pediatrician announces that the child has a heart murmur, it raises concerns in many parents. Questions arise: Why didn’t we know until now? How can it be that the child is moving and playing well? What should we have been paying attention to? Upon hearing about the heart murmur, parents’ hearts may fill with fear, as there is a suspicion that the child may be struggling with a heart condition.

A heart murmur is an indicator of heart function, and although it is not a standalone disease, it can be a symptom of various heart problems. The structure and function of the heart are extremely complex, consisting of four chambers separated by valves and septa. Proper heart function is essential for supplying blood to the body and for healthy organ function. The development of the heart begins in the early stages of fetal life, and potential problems can already be detected during pregnancy through ultrasound examinations.

After birth, the child’s circulation undergoes dramatic changes. With the first breath, the lungs fill with air, and the baby’s heart takes over the circulation. Subsequently, the heart smoothly adapts to the new environment, but if there is some deviation, the heart may not be able to perform its task effectively, leading to various symptoms.

The significance and causes of heart murmurs

A heart murmur may indicate abnormal heart function, but it does not always signal a serious problem. There are various congenital heart diseases that can affect the heart’s chambers, valves, or myocardium. Statistics show that congenital heart disease may occur in 8-10 out of every 1,000 newborns, but the severity and manifestation of symptoms can vary. There are cases where urgent medical intervention is necessary, while in other cases, issues may resolve on their own.

Upon hearing about a heart murmur, parents can easily feel anxious, as the murmur can often be the first sign of heart disease. Symptoms may include difficulties in feeding, breathing problems, pallor, or developmental delays. These signs indicate that the child’s heart function may not be adequate, and a medical examination is necessary.

During the medical examination, the experienced heart murmur may arise from various causes. It is common for a murmur to be triggered by fever, respiratory illness, or excitement. In these cases, the heart valves and major vessels may appear narrower, leading to changes in blood flow. Thus, a heart murmur can be a warning sign that provides an opportunity for early detection of heart problems.

The role and consequences of cardiological examinations

When a heart murmur is detected, a cardiological specialist examination is essential. During the examination, specialists can determine the cause and origin of the murmur, thereby helping parents understand their child’s health status. The medical examination involves a professional assessment of the child’s heart, and if necessary, further diagnostic procedures may be conducted.

It is important to note that a heart murmur does not always mean that the child has heart disease. In 50-60% of children, a harmless heart murmur may occur, which does not involve any organic abnormalities. In such cases, children are generally well, asymptomatic, and can actively participate in physical activities.

If the specialist examination reveals that the murmur is harmless, parents receive reassuring answers. In this case, there is no need for lifestyle restrictions, and the child can continue sports and usual activities. For parents, it is reassuring information that the child’s heart is healthy and that the murmur poses no serious danger.

The cardiological examination thus plays a key role in ensuring that parents feel secure and confident that their child’s heart health is being appropriately monitored. The appearance of a heart murmur is not a reason for panic, but rather an opportunity to keep an eye on the child’s health.