February 6, 2026, 12:40 p.m.
Christopher Sumski, DO, WashU Medicine pediatric cardiologist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital explains heart murmurs and how they are much more common in children than most realize.
- A heart murmur is simply any audible noise heard during an exam in addition to the sounds of the valves closing.
- Heart murmurs are quite common, and the majority are considered innocent or benign. An innocent murmur is the sound of blood flowing through the heart.
- Some heart murmurs are a sign of a difference in the heart.
- If listening to the heart does not confirm an innocent murmur, pictures are recommended. A noninvasive ultrasound will show whether a heart difference is causing the murmur.
If you are worried about your child’s heart murmur, schedule an appointment at St. Louis Children’s Hospital with a WashU Medicine pediatric cardiologist.
In case of a medical emergency with a child, determine where the nearest accredited, Level I pediatric trauma center is located. Find the St. Louis Children’s Hospital pediatric Emergency Department location nearest you.
