Heart murmurs: Congenital heart disease

Abstract

A heart murmur present in a child or an infant with signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure or cyanosis is indicative of a significant mechanical lesion within the heart. A relatively simple method of classification of these potentially complex lesions is based on the presenting symptom of the patient, either congestive heart failure or cyanosis. Prompt referrals to experts in this area result in the best outcomes possible. © Springer Science+Business Media, Inc. 2005.