Heart Murmurs: Red Flags and Reassurance

Heart murmurs are one of the most common findings in pediatric practice, but determining which ones warrant further evaluation can be challenging. While many murmurs are innocent, others may signal underlying structural heart disease and require timely referral and management. 

In this episode, we discuss how pediatricians can approach the evaluation of heart murmurs, including key features of the history and physical exam that help distinguish benign murmurs from those that may be pathologic. We also explore how factors can influence what you hear through your stethoscope. 

Joining us is Christopher Rausch, MD, pediatric cardiologist and Director of the Cardiac Developmental Outcomes Program at Children's Hospital Colorado. He is also a professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. Rausch shares practical insights to help pediatricians feel more confident in evaluating murmurs, identifying red flags, and knowing when referral is appropriate. 

In this episode, our expert discusses: 

• How to differentiate the sound of a murmur 
• The biggest differences between a murmur during the first few days of life and as a teenager 
• How common it is for children to experience a murmur during their developmental years 
• Counseling families and deciphering fact versus fear