Back
Print 

Heart Murmur in Children: Care Instructions

Skip Navigation

Top of the page

Your Care Instructions

A heart murmur is a blowing, whooshing, or rasping sound. The sound is 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.

But 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 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?

  • Be safe with medicines. 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 if your child has any problems.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter W323 in the search box to learn more about "Heart Murmur in Children: Care Instructions".

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.