Everyone's heart makes sounds when blood pumps through it. In some people, the heart makes an extra sound called a murmur. Sometimes a murmur can be a sign of a problem in the heart. But your child has an innocent heart murmur, which is a murmur from a normal, healthy heart.

Kids with an innocent heart murmur don't need any treatment or special care. They can do all activities that other kids do. Most innocent murmurs will go away on their own as a child gets older.

• Keep routine well-child visits so your healthcare provider can check your child's murmur.
• Help your child understand what an innocent heart murmur is. Be sure they know that kids with innocent heart murmurs:
  • Have a normal, healthy heart
  • Don't need any medicines or treatments
  • Can do all activities that other kids do
• Tell other healthcare providers about your child's heart murmur, so they will know it is not a new murmur.
• If your healthcare provider recommends it, take your child to a pediatric cardiologist (a heart doctor who cares for kids). This is not usually needed.

You or your child have any questions about the heart murmur.

What causes an innocent murmur? Common reasons an innocent murmur may be heard include:

• Growth and changes in a child's heart and body
• Times when blood flows faster, such as during:
  • Fever
  • Physical activity
  • Excitement or anxiety
  • Anemia (low red blood cell count)

An innocent heart murmur is not caused by a heart problem or heart disease. The heart's structure is normal, and the murmur does not harm the child.

Does an innocent heart murmur go away? An innocent murmur may come and go during childhood. They usually are completely gone by adulthood.

How is an innocent heart murmur diagnosed? Heart murmurs typically are found during routine exams. Healthcare providers can hear them when they listen to the chest with a stethoscope. Usually, no other testing is needed.