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Pediatric Cardiologist located in Federal Way, WA

Pediatrician Specialty Practices: Heart Murmurs in Children

At Pediatrician Specialty Practices, led by Nauman Ahmad, MD, FAAP, we are dedicated to ensuring your child’s heart health. Heart murmurs can be concerning, but our specialized care helps diagnose and treat them with precision. Whether your child has been diagnosed with a heart condition or you have concerns, our expert team is here to support your family every step of the way. We offer thorough evaluations and compassionate treatment to ensure the best outcomes for your child.

Concerned About Heart Murmurs? We Can Help!

Heart murmurs can sound alarming, but not all of them are dangerous. At Pediatrician Specialty Practices, we are experienced in detecting and treating heart murmurs in children. Our team uses state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to assess whether a murmur is innocent or linked to an underlying heart issue. Early detection is key to preventing complications, and our goal is to provide parents with peace of mind and effective care for their little ones.

Heart-Related Problems: Though rare in children, heart issues such as congenital heart defects or arrhythmias can cause chest pain.

Respiratory Issues: Conditions like asthma, pneumonia, or bronchitis can lead to chest discomfort.

Gastrointestinal Problems: Acid reflux, esophageal spasms, or difficulty swallowing can trigger chest pain.

Musculoskeletal Issues: Irritation of the chest muscles or ribs, often due to injury or strain, is another possible cause.

Viral or Bacterial Infections: Chest pain might accompany infections like colds, flu, or bronchitis.

Anxiety: Emotional distress or anxiety can cause chest pain or a sensation of tightness in the chest.

Finding the root cause of chest pain is crucial for determining the most effective treatment and ensuring your child’s health and well-being.

What Are Heart Murmurs?

A heart murmur is the sound of turbulent blood flow in or near the heart. Dr. Ahmad can detect murmurs with a stethoscope during a routine check-up. Some murmurs are harmless and cause no issues, while others may be linked to heart defects that require attention. Heart murmurs may be present at birth or develop later. We help determine whether further testing or treatment is needed to protect your child’s health.

Signs of Heart Problems

While innocent heart murmurs typically don’t show any symptoms, abnormal murmurs may be associated with other signs of heart issues, including:

Shortness of breath

Chronic cough

Bluish skin (especially around the lips)

Swelling in the legs or abdomen

Poor weight gain or feeding difficulties in infants

Dizziness or fainting

Chest pain

Enlarged veins in the neck

Decreased blood oxygen levels

Heavy sweating

If your child exhibits any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek an evaluation with our team as soon as possible. Early diagnosis can lead to timely treatment and better outcomes.

Heart Murmurs FAQs

Heart murmurs can be linked to several congenital heart defects, including:

Atrial Septal Defects (ASD): A hole between the upper heart chambers.
Ventricular Septal Defects (VSD): A hole between the lower heart chambers.
Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF): A combination of four heart defects that lower blood oxygen levels.
Double Outlet Right Ventricle: A condition where the aorta attaches to the right ventricle.
Transposition of the Great Arteries: A condition where the pulmonary artery and aorta are reversed.
Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Return: Abnormal blood flow from the lungs to the heart.
Tricuspid Atresia: The tricuspid valve doesn’t form properly, affecting blood flow.
Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome: The left side of the heart is underdeveloped.

Detecting these conditions early allows us to create a personalized care plan and prevent more serious health problems down the road.

At Pediatrician Specialty Practices, we take a thorough and careful approach to diagnosing heart murmurs. Dr. Ahmad and his team will:

Review Medical History: We will ask about any symptoms your child is experiencing and take a detailed medical history.
Physical Examination: During a physical exam, we listen carefully to your child’s heart to detect any abnormal sounds.
Echocardiogram: This non-invasive ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the heart’s structure and function, allowing us to see any abnormalities.
Other Diagnostic Tools: If needed, we may recommend additional tests, such as a chest X-ray or electrocardiogram (EKG), to assess your child’s heart rhythm and look for any structural issues.

Not every heart murmur requires treatment, especially if it’s an innocent murmur. However, if your child has a heart defect or underlying condition, Dr. Ahmad will discuss the best course of action. This may include:

Medications: To manage symptoms or treat the underlying cause.
Surgery: To correct certain heart defects.
Heart Transplant: In very rare cases, a heart transplant may be necessary if other treatments are ineffective.

Our team will work with you to find the safest, most effective treatment plan for your child. We believe in educating families about their child’s heart health and empowering them to make informed decisions about their care.

t Pediatrician Specialty Practices, we understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with concerns about your child’s heart health. That’s why we strive to provide a warm, welcoming environment where families feel comfortable asking questions and seeking the best care for their little ones. With Dr. Ahmad’s expertise and our compassionate approach, we make sure every child receives the attention and treatment they need to thrive.

If your child has been diagnosed with a heart murmur, or if you’re concerned about their heart health, call us today or schedule an appointment online. Our team is here to help your family every step of the way.

Affiliation with St. Francis Hospital

We are proud to be affiliated with St. Francis Hospital in Federal Way, offering families access to high-quality, specialized care. St. Francis features a Family Birth Center dedicated to maternity and childbirth services, including comfortable birthing suites and a calm, supportive environment for new families. With options for both obstetrical and midwifery care, they provide comprehensive labor and delivery services, including high-risk pregnancy care and vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). The center is supported by a Level II Special Care Nursery staffed by a specialized neonatology team, ensuring around-the-clock care for newborns in need. This partnership allows us to connect families with top-tier resources and care tailored to each stage of pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

The International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners® (IBLCE®) and International Lactation Consultant Association® (ILCA®) have recognized St. Francis Hospital for excellence in lactation care.

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Ready to Schedule?

If your child has been diagnosed with a heart murmur, or if you’re concerned about their heart health, call us today or schedule an appointment online. Our team is here to help your family every step of the way.

Contact us today to make an appointment and ensure your child receives the care they deserve!

Federal Way Location:

32124 1st Ave S, Suite 100, Federal Way, WA 98003

You can either text or call us!

Phone: 253-661-5939 | Fax: 253-661-5929

Office Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM

We help you keep your kids

healthy, so they can enjoy life.

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