Is it common for a 6 year old to have a heart murmur?

It is common for 6-year-old children to have heart murmurs in clinical practice. In most cases, they are physiological murmurs and do not require special treatment, but the possibility of pathological murmurs must be ruled out. Physiological murmurs are usually related to normal heart structure, while pathological murmurs may be related to congenital heart disease or other heart diseases.

1. Physiological murmurs

Physiologic murmurs are the main type of heart murmur in children and are usually caused by increased blood flow or changes in the heart's position. Children have smaller hearts and relatively faster blood flow, which can easily cause murmurs. Physiologic murmurs may be more noticeable during fever, exercise, or emotional excitement but are not accompanied by other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, cyanosis, or developmental delays. These murmurs do not require treatment and may go away on their own as the child grows older.

2. Pathological murmur

Pathological murmurs may be related to congenital heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, or other structural abnormalities of the heart. Congenital heart diseases such as ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, or patent ductus arteriosus may cause blood to be shunted, resulting in murmurs. Rheumatic heart disease is caused by streptococcal infection and may cause damage to the heart valves. Pathological murmurs are often accompanied by other symptoms, such as shortness of breath after activity, fatigue, bluish skin, or slow weight gain. If you suspect a pathological murmur, you should see a doctor for a detailed examination.

3. Diagnosis and treatment

To diagnose heart murmurs, doctors usually perform auscultation, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and other tests to clarify the nature and cause of the murmur. Physiological murmurs do not require treatment, but regular follow-up observation is required. The treatment of pathological murmurs depends on the specific cause. Congenital heart disease may require medication to control symptoms, such as diuretics to reduce the burden on the heart, or surgery to repair the heart structure. Rheumatic heart disease requires antibiotics to prevent infection, and in severe cases, valve repair or replacement surgery may be required.

4. Daily care and prevention

For children with physiological murmurs, parents do not need to worry too much, but they need to pay attention to their children's mobility and development. Avoid strenuous exercise or mood swings, maintain a balanced diet, and enhance immunity. For children with pathological murmurs, they need to strictly follow the doctor's instructions for treatment and follow-up, and avoid infection and excessive fatigue. In terms of prevention, avoid contact with harmful substances during pregnancy and have regular prenatal check-ups to reduce the risk of congenital heart disease.

Heart murmurs in 6-year-old children are mostly physiological, but we should also be alert to the possibility of pathological murmurs. Parents should pay attention to their children's symptoms, seek medical treatment in time for a clear diagnosis, and follow up or treat according to the doctor's advice. Through scientific management and care, most children's heart murmurs will not cause long-term health effects.