In general terms the louder the noise and the closer in time to birth that it is first detected the more significant the murmur will be in terms of identifying “occult” CHD. In addition the following are RED FLAGS for referral:
The chest x ray and electrocardiogram have a limited role in screening for heart disease in children with murmurs We don’t require these tests prior to referral. Following our clinical assessment an ECHOCARDIOGRAM will usually be completed if there are significant findings
Our policy is to decline requests for an ‘Echocardiogram only’ in children under the age of 5 years. We prefer to assess young children ourselves first as sedation is often required to get an adequate examination in this age group.