The Children's Heart Institute - Hasan Abdallah, M.D.Patient Education
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What is a Heart Murmur? | Causes | Innocent vs. Not-Innocent
Physical Signs | Common Questions | Plan of Action

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Innocent vs Not-Innocent Heart Murmurs

What's an Innocent Heart Murmur?
An innocent or functional heart murmur is a murmur not resulting from heart disease. This is the most common type of heart murmur and is also known as functional murmur. It is heard because the child may have fever, anemia, or a thin chest. It disappears when the fever subsides or when the anemia is treated.

What's a Not-Innocent Heart Murmur?
A murmur, which indicates there is something abnormal in the heart or a major artery is, called a not-innocent, not-functional, or organic murmur. A narrow valve, a leaking valve, or a hole in the heart, usually causes it.

 

What may indicate that a Heart Murmur is Not-Innocent? If:

NewbornYour newborn turns blue, tires with feedings, breathes fast, sweats excessively, or is not gaining weight.
ToddlerYour toddler is not growing, having frequent lung infections or tires and gets short of breath with moderate activity.
   

TeenYour school-aged child or teenager complains of dizziness, fainting, easily tires, or has shortness of breath during exercise.

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 Next on the tour is the physical signs of a heart murmur.

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