Heart Murmurs

Murmurs are sounds produced by turbulent flood flow. As turbulent blood flow may develop within a normal heart, murmurs are not always pathologic.

When the blood viscosity is low (as in anemia) or the cardiac output is increased (by fever or infection), a murmur is often present in a child with a perfectly normal heart. These murmurs are called functional or innocent.

Organic murmurs are produced by structural cardiac abnormalities.

Features of heart murmurs include: a: Intensity b: Frequency
c: Timing

Compare normal sounds and murmurs. | Return to the Physical Exam

Criteria for referral to Pediatric Cardiologists

Objectives | History | Physical Exam | Cardiac Cycle | Murmurs |
Criteria for Referral | Compare Sounds | Case Studies | Samples of Murmurs