Most innocent systolic murmurs disappear as the child grows. Sometimes there is a third heart sound, called a gallop because it can sound like a galloping horse. Persons with a suspicious heart murmur may be advised to have a test called Doppler echocardiography. This test uses sound waves to make a picture of the living heart in action, including visualization of the heart valves. Doppler echocardiography can tell whether you have a heart defect, how severe that defect is, and how well your heart is functioning.
Many different conditions can cause heart murmurs.
Many septal defects close on their own, so no treatment may be recommended. In older children and adults, heart murmurs often signal problems with the heart valves. The important thing to remember is that a heart murmur does not necessarily mean a serious heart problem. Most people with heart murmurs have no heart disease and lead a perfectly normal life. TX 75231-4596 Material in this newsletter may not be reproduced in whole or part without permission from the publisher.