Should children undergo cardiac ultrasound for heart murmurs during physical examination

When heart murmurs are found during a child's physical examination, it is usually recommended to undergo cardiac ultrasound examination. Heart murmurs may be related to physiological factors or pathological factors such as congenital heart disease. Cardiac ultrasound can clarify the nature of murmurs and whether the cardiac structure is abnormal. Physiological heart murmurs are more common in children, often caused by fast blood flow or close proximity of the heart to the chest wall, presenting as soft and brief systolic murmurs, usually without structural abnormalities of the heart. This type of situation does not require special treatment, regular follow-up observation is sufficient, and vigorous exercise should be avoided in daily life to prevent respiratory infections. If the murmurs are accompanied by symptoms such as delayed growth and development, cyanosis of the lips, and shortness of breath after movement, it is necessary to be alert to pathological murmurs. Cardiac ultrasound can clearly display congenital heart malformations such as ventricular septal defect and patent ductus arteriosus, and can also evaluate valve function and heart chamber size. For complex congenital heart disease, cardiac ultrasound combined with electrocardiogram, chest X-ray and other examinations can improve diagnostic accuracy. Parents who discover heart murmurs in their children should remain calm and promptly bring a physical examination report to a pediatric or cardiovascular specialist for treatment. The doctor will make a comprehensive judgment based on the intensity, location, and accompanying symptoms of the noise, and arrange further examinations if necessary. In daily life, it is necessary to ensure that children have balanced nutrition, avoid excessive fatigue, and vaccinate against infectious diseases. If diagnosed with congenital heart disease, medication or surgical treatment should be strictly followed according to medical advice, and regular check ups of heart function should be conducted.