What characterizes an innocent murmur?

An innocent murmur is characterized by the absence of any underlying heart disease or structural abnormalities. This type of murmur is typically found in healthy individuals, especially in children, and is often related to the physiological flow of blood through the heart and great vessels. It does not indicate any valvular or pathological cause, meaning that there are no abnormalities in the heart’s structures or functionality contributing to the sound.

Innocent murmurs are usually soft and present only when listening closely; they do not result in symptoms or complications such as heart failure. This distinguishes them from abnormal murmurs, which could indicate heart defects or other cardiac issues. The defining aspect of an innocent murmur is its benign nature, which reassures both healthcare professionals and patients regarding the lack of serious medical conditions.