How Is a Heart Murmur Diagnosed?
The doctor or healthcare provider may detect a heart murmur during a physical exam. Heart noises are heard with a stethoscope. A heart murmur is classified by how loud it is, its location, when it occurs during the heart’s pumping cycle, and its sound qualities. If the doctor suspects the murmur is pathologic, your child may be referred to a pediatric cardiologist. This is a doctor who diagnoses and treats heart problems in children. The following tests may be done: • Chest x-ray: This test takes a picture of the heart and lungs. The picture can show your child’s heart size and shape. It can show whether there are problems in the heart or lungs. • Electrocardiography (ECG or EKG): During this test, the electrical activity of the heart is recorded to check for arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) or problems with heart structure. • Echocardiography (echo): During this test, sound waves are used to create a picture of the heart. This test can show problems with heart structure or heart f
