$Unique_ID{BRK02153}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Heart Murmurs in Children}
$Subject{Heart Murmur Murmurs Children murmur sports disease physical exertion
cardiologist rheumatic fever respiratory infections pneumonia asthma premature
birth diabetes rubella German Measles congenital }
$Volume{}
$Log{
Anatomy of the Heart Valves*0004104.scf}

Copyright (c) 1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Heart Murmurs in Children


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QUESTION:  I went to the doctor last week for an exam, and now my dad tells me
I have a heart murmur.  I don't feel sick, and I want to keep playing baseball
with my friends, but my dad says I should stay away from sports because it
might be bad for me.  What should I do?  (P.S.:  I'm 12 years old, and I'm in
Junior High School.)  I read your column, because I want to be a doctor too,
and I can understand things the way you write.  Maybe if you answer, I can
show my father your answer, so he will understand too.

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ANSWER:  Thanks for your kind words.  I am always pleased to help a future
doctor learn a bit about himself.
     A heart murmur is not automatically a sign of heart disease, which would
require you to avoid physical exertion.  Any out of the ordinary sound that
comes from blood flowing through the arteries and veins is called a "murmur",
including many that are caused by a temporary physical condition and are
themselves harmless.  Half of all children will experience such a murmur at
one time or another.
     Ask your parents to take you back to the doctor, or to a pediatric
cardiologist.  The doctor or cardiologist can examine you and diagnose the
specific murmur you may be experiencing.  Some innocent heart murmurs can be
accentuated by physical exertion, fever or excitement.  Other murmurs may be
more significant, especially if you have had rheumatic fever, respiratory
infections, pneumonia, asthma, or if your parents or grandparents have a
history of heart disease.
     Generally speaking, if this is the first time a murmur has been detected,
and you have not had any serious infections recently, it is unlikely you are
suffering from a serious heart condition.  Serious heart murmurs in children
are usually detected at a much younger age, usually in infancy.  These may be
related to premature birth, a mother suffering from diabetes or rubella
(German Measles), or her use of certain medications or alcohol during
pregnancy.  Such situations can lead to a congenital heart defect in a new
baby.  In your case, however, it sounds safe to say "Play ball!"  But, as all
good doctors do, check first to be sure.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.