Child

Heart Murmur

Information for Parents

At the routine examination by the hospital doctor, your baby has been found to have a heart murmur (a noise which the doctor hears with a stethoscope).

He/She has been referred to a paediatrician (Children’s Doctor) for assessment, which will be at your local hospital in a few weeks time.

At this appointment your baby will be examined, and may have a number of tests:

  • Measurement of oxygen levels in the blood via a finger probe
  • ECG – electrocardiogram – tracing of the heart rate
  • Echocardiogram – scan of the heart

These tests help the paediatrician in deciding if your baby has a problem with the heart.

In the meantime if your baby develops any of the following symptoms or becomes unwell, please contact your GP, midwife, health visitor or local A & E

Symptoms to look out for:

  • Poor feeding
  • Not gaining weight
  • Breathlessness, especially when feeding
  • Poor colour