Heart Murmur??

Question

A very small/minor heart murmur is detected at birth and is assessed for a couple years after detection with no change.

1. Could it potentially get worse and cause problems during adulthood??

2. If so, what would make it worse??

3. What types of problems could arise??

Thanx fartmonger. What symptoms led you to OHS...if you don't mind me asking??

Answer 1

Yes, those heart murmurs as a child need a lifetime of careful attention. That is a defect present in the electrical system of the heart.

The mumur can turn to a form of atrial fibrillation, in that the hearts normal beat cycle as one ages changes and some of the needed parts of the EKG curve will either be missing or distorted. This will cause a blood clot "plug" to form within the heart chambers and this "plug" will then be sent directly to the brain causing a stroke or even death.

Speaking from experience of my own, as one with a heart murmur earlier in life, this turned into a form of Atrial Fibrillation as age progressed. The standard treatment is Toprol drug plus Warafarin to protect against blood clots reaching the brain ( a blood thinner). One can lead a fairly normal life taking these drugs, and blood tests for Protime clotting factors need to be done on a weekly or montly basis for controls of the Warafarin dosages.

You might look on the Cleveland Clinic Heart Site on the web and get more information. Do not ignore a heart murmur, it requires a lifetime of vigulance and monitoring..

The best monitor is self monitoring. One learns exactly when the heart beat mumur occurs by a simple pulse feel to the right arm. And one can detect even the slightest changes that occur as one ages by a feel of that pulse.

Answer 2

Heart Murmurs are *extremely* common in children. The word murmur describes a swishing sound made as the blood flows through any of the heart's chambers or valves.

There are several different types of murmurs. It is important to understand which kind this child has.The most common type of heart murmur is called functional or innocent. This diagnosis means the murmur is produced by a normal, healthy heart. It can come and go throughout childhood. It usually goes away on its own as the child gets older and doesn't pose any health threat.

Kids with innocent heart murmurs don't require a special diet, restriction of activities, or any other special treatment. Those old enough to understand that they have a heart murmur should be reassured that they aren't any different from other kids.

Some murmurs may indicate a problem with the heart. If the doctor suspects something other than an innocent heart murmur, your child will see a pediatric cardiologist, who may order or perform additional tests such as a chest X-ray, an EKG (an electrocardiogram), or an echocardiogram. An echocardiogram, or "echo," takes a special moving image of the heart's chambers and the motion of the blood; records the size and shape of the heart's chambers, valves, and vessels; and shows the direction of the blood flow within the heart to help determine how efficiently the heart is pumping.

About 1 out of every 100 babies is born with a structural heart problem, or congenital heart defect. These babies may show signs of their defect as early as the first few days of life, or they may appear completely healthy until later in childhood. Some kids won't show any symptoms beyond a heart murmur, while others will have symptoms that could be mistaken for other illnesses or disorders.

If the child has a heart defect then they will need to be monitored. Problems later in life once again depend on the type and severity of heart defect. However, if the child's murmur has been watched for several year then you would probably know by now whether there was any sort of heart defect. It is most likely an innocent murmur which is easily heard because childrens hearts are very close to the chest wall.

Innocent heart murmurs do not make the child more likely to have heart attacks or high blood pressure later in life. Your child's physical activities should not be restricted because of the heart murmur.

Indeed, the best way to ensure a healthy heart in the adult years is to develop good exercise and eating habits as a child.

Generally, a child with an innocent heart murmur will be discharged from further cardiology follow up.

Even if your child has been diagnosed with a heart murmur that is due to a structural problem of the heart, this does not necessarily mean that your child will require heart surgery.

Some murmurs are due to small holes between the two lower chambers of the heart. These holes do not get bigger and often close by themselves.

Other murmurs are due to narrowing or leaking of one of the valves of the heart, however this may be mild.

For many of these minor problems, the only precaution that needs to be observed is to take a dose of antibiotics before he or she goes to the dentist. Many children with structural heart disease lead normal active lives, get married and have children.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

I've had a murmur since birth and had absolutely no problems for over 30 years. About the 32nd year, however, it went to hell. I had OHS at 33 & now have a mechanical valve.

Everyone's murmur is different. Some people with severe murmurs live to be 80 with no problems, other people with minor murmurs develop big problems at a young age.

Regular monitoring is the best course of action.

Answer 5

I was born with a heart murmur. The doctors told my parents mine was so minor though that I probably wouldn't have any problems from it, and so far, the doctor has been right.

I think if they are really minor it won't cause problems.

Check out the link below for more information about heart murmurs:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_murmurs

Answer 6

I have a heart murmur but my Doctor said that if u take antibiotics before dental u will be fine