Diagnosis Question

[Margaret]

I have a 10 month old boy who seems to have a slight heart murmur. His doctor has to listen closely to hear it, but it's there. She hasn't felt we need to see a cardiologist since it's so slight, but she's keeping an eye on it (or, should I say an ear!). I haven't been concerned about it until I read an article about HCM and how common it is. That's how I stumbled upon your site -- I wanted to see what the symptoms are.

I'm wondering if any of you have experience with diagnosis in a baby. I know my doctor would refer us to a pediatric cardiologist if we ask. I just hate to put my son through any invasive testing if I'm just being a neurotic mother!

I guess my question is simply, if you have a baby who was diagnosed -- how did they know to look for it?

Thanks!!

[Reenie]

Hi. Welcome to our site. To diagnose the murmur in your son they would most likely do an echocardiogram. It's an ultrasound of the heart. Murmurs can be caused by a lot of things. I think you should probably get it checked out. The test would not be anything invasive. However, unless you have a family history of HCM or any reason to believe that's what might be wrong with him, it's most likely not HCM. Since you are sure your doctor would be happy to make the referral, go for it. All you'll get are answers. I think it would make you feel better to know. That's my two cents worth.

Reenie

[Sarah]

my two cents

Hi

An echocardiogram will not hurt your baby in any way and it will give you HUGE piece of mind. With a murmur that early, it is simply prudent to get an echo so you can SEE what the heart looks like and rule out any problems.

take care and keep us posted,

S

[mflanagn]

My daughter was diagnosed at 4 days old because of her murmur. In fact, the pediatrician on staff at the hospital told me I couldn't take my daughter home until she had a cardiologist look at her and do some tests. We saw our pediatric cardiologist (PC) the next day. He did an EKG and echo on a 4 day old baby and diagnosed her with, at that time IHSS, but now refers to it as HCM. She is now 11 years old. Yeah, I'd say it would well be worth seeing a cardiologist. I am also going to tell you there is no family history of HCM in my family or my husbands. Just happened to show up in my daughter and son.

Good luck. I hope this helps.

[Lisa Salberg]

Many murmurs are not serious and do not mean that a disease is present. An Echocardiogram would answer your quetions and ease your mind. Ask the doc. for an echo and I am sure they will work with you.
is there any family history of heart problems?
Lisa

[Margaret]

Thanks!

Thanks for all the information. I think you're right -- I'm going to email his doctor and ask for a referral for peace of mind. My husband's side of the family has some heart issues -- mostly related to weight and smoking. But, really, we don't know the details. Knowing that checking it out won't be too hard on my sweet little baby makes it a much easier decision, too!

I'll let you know how it turns out!



-Margaret

[Amy N.]

My son was 18 months when we found out. He had a murmur that hadn't been there before, but showed up for this 18 month check-up. As it turns out though, the pediatric cardiologist says his murmur is an innocent kind that sometimes develops around kids his age - and that it more than likely will disappear. He believes it's not related to his HCM at all. My son is doing fine and is now 2 and quite a busy body. Sometimes though, you just need to go with what you feel comfortable with. An echo won't hurt at all. My son ate smarties and had a safety pop sucker while he had his echo. (The things we do when we want them to be really, really still. )

Good Luck,
Amy N.