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Innocent heart murmurs

Paula Martins1, Alexandra Dinis, Jani Canha

  • 1Serviço de Cardiologia Pediátrico, Hospital Pediátrico de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal. paula_mrtns@yahoo.com

Revista Portuguesa De Cardiologia : Orgao Oficial Da Sociedade Portuguesa De Cardiologia = Portuguese Journal of Cardiology : an Official Journal of the Portuguese Society of Cardiology
|August 30, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Differentiating innocent heart murmurs from pathological ones in children is crucial. This review highlights clinical history and physical exam findings to aid diagnosis, minimizing unnecessary tests.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Cardiology
  • Diagnostic Medicine

Background:

  • Innocent heart murmurs are common in pediatric patients.
  • Distinguishing innocent murmurs from pathological heart disease can be challenging for clinicians.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review key clinical features for differentiating innocent heart murmurs from pathological causes in children.
  • To guide the appropriate use of diagnostic testing.

Main Methods:

  • Review of medical literature on pediatric heart murmurs.
  • Analysis of clinical history elements suggestive of innocent versus pathological murmurs.
  • Evaluation of physical examination findings for diagnostic clues.
  • Assessment of the role and utility of diagnostic tests.

Main Results:

  • Specific historical and physical examination findings can aid in differentiating innocent murmurs.
  • Certain features strongly suggest underlying cardiac pathology, warranting further investigation.
  • The judicious use of diagnostic tests can support clinical assessment.

Conclusions:

  • Clinical assessment remains paramount in diagnosing innocent heart murmurs.
  • A thorough history and physical examination are essential to avoid unnecessary investigations.
  • Diagnostic tests should be employed strategically when clinical suspicion of heart disease is high.

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