The heart is the most important organ in the body. It is from his smooth operation that all processes in the human body depend. Therefore, any deviation in his work immediately causes concern and anxiety. The phrase "heart murmur" sometimes very scares people. But in fact, this is not always a cause for concern. To establish the causes of heart murmur in a child can only be a cardiologist and only after an ultrasound and ECG. Therefore, do not panic ahead of time.
Heart murmurs can occur at any age, and this happens quite often. Statistics show that of the three babies (under the age of three), one is observed by a specialist with such a deviation. But do not be afraid right away, this is not always a symptom of heart disease. In addition, the causes of heart murmurs in a child may be due to the fact that his body has not yet fully formed.
Types of heart murmur
Heart murmurs are divided into two main types:
- organic - pathology is possible in the cardiovascular system;
- functional - in the heart and large vessels there are no defects or serious changes.
Modern diagnostic technologies have proved that any noise always has one or another anatomical cause. Thus, it turns out that they are all organic. And it is more correct to divide them into pathological and so-called innocent. The latter arise with minor anatomical features of the structure of the heart, which do not have a serious effect on the functioning of the organ and do not disturb the blood flow. Healthy children may be exposed to this if anemia is present or during a period of active growth (first year of life, 4-6 years, transitional age 12-14 years), as well as in a number of other cases.
Such a phenomenon can occur suddenly, and from birth, they can diagnose heart murmurs in a child. Reasons 7 years later may gradually come to naught - and it happens. That is, after some time, all the noises in the heart can stop on their own.
Innocent and pathological noises
Innocents include noises arising from the presence of extra chords in the heart that are abnormally located.
In addition, they may arise due to:
- rapid growth of the child (the heart simply does not keep pace with the rapid development);
- increased flexibility of the child (heart valves bend easily);
- low hemoglobin levels;
- anatomical features of the structure of internal organs;
- the presence of a small cardiac abnormality;
- Infectious diseases are common causes of heart murmurs in children.
Pathological murmurs are accompanied by symptoms such as cyanosis of the liver, cyanosis of the fingers and nails, frequent breathing.
Causes of heart murmurs in children up to a year
Such a phenomenon in such a crumb is always very scary for parents. And this is completely justified, since before a full examination there is no way to give a first forecast.
The causes of heart murmurs in children at this age can be very different. In most cases, this is due to the fact that the body moves from intrauterine circulation to normal, intrauterine. Arterial vessels of the fetus carry mixed blood. This is due to the characteristics of the cardiovascular system.
Mixed blood formation
Three anatomical formations create mixed blood.
- Arterial (or Batalov) duct. It connects the aorta and the pulmonary trunk
between themselves. It usually stops working after about two weeks, but in some cases it continues to function for up to two months. If the echocardiography showed that after this period the duct continues to function, then this is evidence of congenital heart disease. - The oval window is located in the interatrial septum. After the first month, it should close, as the pressure in the left atrium increases. However, if this did not happen, then do not worry. Its closure may occur two years after birth. An open oval window can rarely lead to hemodynamic disturbances. Noises in the heart due to an unclosed oval window are considered harmless.
- The venous duct connects the portal vein and the inferior vena cava. This duct disappears some time after birth, transforming into a connective tissue cord. This is due to the subsidence of its walls. With extrauterine development, it remains extremely rare, which excludes it as a cause of congenital heart disease.
First ECG
The first ECG is done to the baby after the first month of life. This makes it possible to differentiate heart murmurs. In case of suspicion of a serious pathology sent for echocardiography.
In general, doctors quite often during examination in the first month of life say that there are heart murmurs in the child. Reasons Komarovsky E.O. claims may be absent. This is quite normal for a baby of this age.
By eliminating the innocent noises of an unclosed oval window, one can focus on pathological ones. They carry a serious danger. May occur:
- Pulmonary stenosis.
- Open ductus arteriosus.
- Ventricular septal defect.
- Coarctation of the aorta and other heart defects.
All these diseases have severe symptoms, which allows them to be diagnosed in the first month of life. If the defect has a pronounced degree, then treatment is possible only surgically.
Noise in two years
The causes of heart murmur in a child of 2 years old in most cases arise due to a past illness. Functional do not pose a serious danger and are extremely rare. But still, when they occur, it is worth doing an ECG to make sure that these were not heart murmurs in the child. The reasons that followed the child for 10 years may disappear, as the body continues to develop.
Until about 10-12 years old, the pulmonary artery is wider than the aorta. After some time, their gaps become the same, and puberty establishes an inverse relationship.
At 10 years old, heart murmurs have the same symptoms as the clinical manifestations of heart disease. It is necessary to pay attention to possible complaints of children about pain in the heart, interruptions in its work, possible fainting conditions.
Anatomical and physiological features of the children's cardiovascular system
The second week of intrauterine development is associated with the laying of the heart: after a while, two independent cardiac embryos are connected into a single tube, which is located in the cervical region. Placental circulation begins to be established at the end of the second month of pregnancy and persists until the birth of the baby.
As mentioned earlier, the fetal cardiovascular system has three formations: the arterial and venous duct and the oval opening. They are needed in order to discharge excess blood. Thus, it helps the heart, because there is no breathing and low pressure.
Blood flow does not mix completely in the right atrium. This is due to the fact that blood passing through the inferior vena cava passes into the left atrium through the oval window, and from there into the left ventricle. At the same time, blood flows from the superior vena cava in the opposite direction: into the right ventricle through the right atrium.
Having been born, the baby straightens the lungs and fills them with blood, while the fetal blood paths close. From this moment, the child has extrauterine circulation, which means that the small and large circles of blood circulation are now functioning. The oval window valve closes due to increased pressure in the left atrium (this is due to the flow of large amounts of blood). The arterial duct closes under the influence of nerve, torsion, and muscle factors.
Caring for the future
In order not to worry that there may be any cause of heart murmur in a child, all pregnant women need to take care of their child’s health at the very beginning of pregnancy. It is worth giving up smoking and alcohol. It is advisable for a pregnant woman to monitor her health, to receive all the necessary vitamins. This is greatly facilitated by a healthy and nutritious diet, as well as walks in the fresh air.
In 90% of cases, heart disease can be diagnosed in utero. At the birth of the baby, they immediately examine and listen to his heart. If necessary, an additional examination is carried out in the near future to identify congenital pathologies.
The causes of heart murmur in a child must be identified at first. Doctors do not advise skipping scheduled examinations. A timely ultrasound of the heart and abdominal organs may indicate a heart murmur in the child. It’s easier to start eliminating the causes right away than to delay the process.
Important trip to the cardiologist
The causes of heart murmurs in children are always best clarified by a cardiologist. An examination with him will either exclude a serious pathology, or the doctor will prescribe the necessary course of treatment. Observed by a cardiologist and following his instructions, after some time, the child will be able to get rid of noise.
In addition, it is important to constantly monitor the baby. A number of serious, dangerous symptoms can be alerted: frequent colds, shortness of breath, developmental delay, shortness of breath, blueness of the skin (nasolabial triangle), etc. Never give up serious treatment. Surgery can prevent adverse effects.
Help child
Fortunately, as a child develops a heart murmur, the contributing reasons go away. It is necessary for the child to always ensure the correct regimen, good nutrition (especially the child needs protein) and adequate sleep. Fresh vegetables and fruits must also be included in the diet.
The cardiologist at the reception should explain what degree of physical activity is right for your child. You can’t deprive a child of movement, it always gives vitality. Moderate physical activity will train the body and heart.
If heart disease occurs, it is best not to delay surgery. The sooner you can help your child, the sooner he will recover. However, surgery is necessary only in serious cases. If the disease is poorly expressed, then it is quite possible that drug therapy will be enough.