Heart Murmur: Follow-Up Care and Treatment

What can I expect at my child's visit to the pediatric cardiologist?

• Your child will meet a medical assistant or nurse who will take your child’s vital signs (heart rate, oxygen levels, height and weight).
• Your child will have an electrocardiogram (EKG). An EKG is a test that helps doctors learn more about your child’s heart rate and how his heart works. The EKG does not hurt. You will get the EKG results on the same day.
• A pediatric cardiologist (heart doctor) will do a physical exam of your child and go over their medical and family history. The EKG results and physical exam tell the doctor a lot about your child’s heart.
• If needed, your child might also have an echocardiogram (echo). A cardiac echo is an ultrasound of the heart and how it is built. It does not hurt. The doctor will give you the cardiac echo results the same day.

Will my child need follow-up care or treatment for a heart murmur?

If your child’s heart murmur is found to be an innocent murmur, they will not need follow-up care or treatment.

If there is a concern with the heart structure (how the heart is built), follow-up care will depend on the concern. The pediatric cardiologist will talk with you about any follow-up care your child might need.

Rev.6/2018. Mass General for Children and Massachusetts General Hospital do not endorse any of the brands listed on this handout. This handout is intended to provide health information so that you can be better informed. It is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to treatment of any medical conditions.