Leaking valve

  I have a 3 1/2 year old son who has recently been diagnosed with a leaking valve. My family physician said it is minute and I should'nt give it much concern. He also said we shouldn't have to have him tested until another three years. Does this seem resonable? Should I ask for a second opinion? He didn't even explain the problem to me and stunned as I was at the time of the news I didn't even think of asking for more information. He hasn't seen a specialist I don't even know if I should limit his activity . What if he gets hit in the chest somehow? Help!
  Thank you greatly
  jennifer Briguglio
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Dear Jennifer,
Thank you for your question.  How did his doctor detect the murmur?  Was it on physical exam?  I can't really say much about his particular case because I don't know the details but it may be that it is entirely normal.  Children will sometimes have a heart murmur without having any valve leak.  I would suggest calling his doctor and asking for a time to make an appointment or speak with him on the phone about your concerns.  I think this will put your mind at ease over this situation.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.  Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.  The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.