Functional Heart Murmur (Child)

A heart murmur is a swishing sound that blood makes as it moves through the heart.  There are different types of murmurs based on the type of sound they make.  A murmur can sometimes indicate an abnormality within the heart. A functional murmur, also known as a Still’s murmur, is harmless. It is actually the sound the blood makes as it moves through the heart, similar to water flowing through pipes. 

Many children have a functional heart murmur at some time in their life.  It is often louder at times of illness such as an upper respiratory tract infection, and especially if the child has a fever. These murmurs come and go throughout childhood, and it is not uncommon to hear it one day and not the next. They don't affect the child’s health.

Home care

Functional heart murmurs do not need special care or treatment.

Follow-up care

Routine cardiac follow up is not necessary for a functional murmur.