heart Murmur??

[breezykc]

Has anyone else had their child diagnosed with a heart murmur? My 2 year old was just diagnosed with a very pronounced one today at his 2 yr appointment for the first time....they referred us to a pediatric cardiologist through a local hospital up here at Children's Mercy. Anyone know what type of test are run? Painful or scary to a toddler?
:?

[mom n luv]

I myself have a murmur. I would have to guess that they may do an ekg, x ray, and/or ultrasound. The ekg will probably not be scary nor would the ultrasound it might be a little disconcerting your might need to distract him with a toy or a book or something. The xray maybe be a little more scary depending on whethter they will let you be in the room or not. From my experience with my little guy and myself that seems to be pretty dependant upon the tech and if you are pg they won't let you in there. I am guessing since you are at a childrens hospital that all their tests and technicians are child friendly.

I hope all turns out all right.

Karla

[breezykc]

thank you for the info! thanks for the preggo tip, I am pregnant, so my husband is going to go now too just in case I can't be in for some of the tests! I hadn't thought of that! Thanks!

[JeanineAnne]

I have no advice, just wanted to say I'm praying for you and your child.

Let us know how it goes

[ktmartin]

My daughter has some heart defects and so we went to a pediatric cardiologist and they didn't do any x-rays they did do an ekg and an ultrasound of the heart. It didn't hurt her although when they take the ekg stickers off they have to pull a little hard. Our cardio has a dvd on while they do that so they lay still. I would just bring a few toys or books for him to play with. Remember to ask questions until you understand and make sure the card tells you in laymans terms.

[stephwhiz]

I'm praying for your little sweetheart! Stephanie

[breezykc]

thanks for the help and prayers! I'll keep you updated, our appt. is Wednesday morning!

[Godzgirl]

Will be praying!

[JoyLynn]

Two of my little ones have heart murmurs. They had ultrasounds done and that's all. It hasn't changed their lives in the least. Theirs turned out to be no big deal. We're just supposed to put them on antibiotics before taking them to the dentist. You'll have to do that, too. I hope everything goes well and that yours turns out to be as uncomplicated as ours did. [pray]

Joy [welcomewave]

[emilyrosejewel]

They found a slight murmur with my 9 mos. old last week. We have an appointment for an ultrasound, etc. on June 9th. The doctor's were so reassuring about it that I am not worried. They indicated that it is pretty common and that most likely it will correct itself. I have heard from quite a few people that it is not a serious thing, so I am trusting God. Blessings to you and your little one!

[Phyll]

Here is an article that I found on www.familydoctor.org that I thought would be helpful.

Heart Murmurs in Children: What Parents Should Know
What is a heart murmur?

A heart murmur is a noise that the blood makes as it flows through the heart. It's like the noise water makes when it flows through a hose. Heart murmurs are common in children and are usually harmless.

What is an "innocent" or "functional" heart murmur?

Heart murmurs usually don't mean there is anything wrong with your child's heart. Your doctor may call these murmurs "innocent" or "functional." An innocent murmur is just a noise caused by blood flowing through a normal heart. These noises are commonly heard in children because their hearts are very close to their chest walls.

An innocent murmur can get louder or softer depending on your child's heart rate, such as when they're excited or scared. Doctors often hear heart murmurs when they check children who have a fever. Many innocent murmurs become hard to hear as children grow older and most usually go away on their own.

What does it mean if my child has an innocent heart murmur?

An innocent heart murmur does not pose a health threat. If your child has an innocent heart murmur, he or she can run, jump and play, with no limits on activity. Your child doesn't need to take any medicine or be careful in any special way.

When is a heart murmur the sign of a problem?

Sometimes a heart murmur indicates a problem with your child's heart, such as:

* A hole in the heart
* A leak in a heart valve
* A narrow heart valve

If your doctor suspects a problem, he or she may choose to refer your child to a pediatric cardiologist. This is a kind of doctor who has spent extra time learning about children's hearts. The cardiologist will examine your child and might do tests to find out if there is a problem. These tests include chest x-ray, electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) or echocardiogram (sometimes called an "echo").

Remember, innocent heart murmurs are very common in healthy children with normal hearts, and pose no health threats. If you have any questions about your child's heart murmur, talk to your family doctor.
Source

Heart Murmurs in Pedatric Patients: When Do You Refer? (American Family Physician August 1999, http://www.aafp.org/afp/990800ap/558.html)

[JoyLynn]

Thanks, Phyll! :D Good info!

Joy [welcomewave]

[breezykc]

Wow, Phyll! What awesome info! Thank you so much for the extra time! God bless!

[breezykc]

Ethan had his cardio appt. this morning and it is an innocent murmur and he doesn't even need to take meds before the dentist! Awesome prayer answer! Thanks for the tips and prayers!

[tracy]

I've been praying, also. So glad to hear things turned out good!

[Phyll]

You're welcome for the info. I'm so glad that everything turned out ok! :)

[mom n luv]

I am so glad you got great news!!

[JoyLynn]

Breezykc, I'm so glad your apt. went well. I didn't know that if the murmur is innocent you don't need the antibiotics. The first I'd ever heard of needing them was from the dentist office, and since they all said that I assumed I was supposed to do it. I'm glad you enlightenend me. They should be more spacific at the dentist office. :x To tell you the truth, I never made the kids take the antibiotic. :oops: I don't believe in using them unless it's really necessary, but I don't always mention that to people because they often hold strong opinions on the subject. Thanks, again!! :D

Joy [welcomewave]

[emilyrosejewel]

Glad to hear your good news. We have an appmnt. on June 9th for Justice we just found out. I am expecting the same good results!