murmur
Heart sound caused by turbulent blood flow, classified as innocent or pathologic in pediatric patients.
Full Definition
Heart murmurs in children are additional sounds heard during cardiac auscultation caused by turbulent blood flow. Innocent (functional) murmurs are benign and occur in up to 85% of children at some point, typically becoming more audible during febrile illness or increased cardiac output states. They are usually soft (grade 1-2/6), systolic, and have no associated symptoms. Pathologic murmurs may indicate structural heart disease such as septal defects, valve abnormalities, or other congenital anomalies. Characteristics suggesting pathologic murmurs include diastolic timing, harsh quality, grade 3/6 or louder intensity, or association with symptoms like poor feeding, failure to thrive, or exercise intolerance.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify grade, timing, and quality; distinguish innocent from pathologic.
In Context
- "A grade 2/6 systolic murmur was noted on routine examination but considered innocent." — Well-child visit documentation
- "The harsh pansystolic murmur prompted echocardiogram to evaluate for septal defect." — Cardiology consultation