Innocent murmurs are typically diagnosed through a physical examination using a stethoscope. The pediatrician or neonatologist listens for the characteristics of the murmur, such as its timing, location, pitch, and duration. Innocent murmurs usually have specific features that distinguish them from pathologic murmurs, including:
- Soft, blowing, or musical quality - Short duration - Systolic timing (occurring between the first and second heart sounds) - Variation with changes in position or respiration - Absence of other signs or symptoms of heart disease
In some cases, additional tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or an echocardiogram may be performed to rule out any underlying heart conditions.
