Heart Murmur

A heart murmur is an additional sound heard when listening to the heart, corresponding to the flow of blood through its chambers and valves. Many murmurs are harmless, especially in childhood, while others may reflect some alteration in the structure or function of the heart.

How it is detected: it is usually discovered during a stethoscope examination, at a routine visit or for some other reason.

Common causes: it may be due to normal variations in blood flow or to conditions of the valves or other parts of the heart that are worth studying.

Which specialist evaluates it? The cardiologist, and in children the pediatric cardiologist or the pediatrician, are the ones who determine whether a murmur requires additional testing. If a murmur has been detected, a specialized evaluation allows you to understand its real meaning.