What are characteristics of a healthy heart murmur in children?

A healthy heart murmur, often referred to as a benign or functional murmur, typically has characteristics that indicate it is not associated with any underlying cardiac pathology. The correct choice describes these specific qualities: it is soft in nature, occurs during the systolic phase of the cardiac cycle, and generally disappears with standing or during inspiration.

These characteristics are significant because they provide reassurance that the murmur is normal. A soft murmur suggests that it is not due to high blood flow or turbulence which are often associated with pathological murmurs. The presence of the murmur during systole rather than diastole aligns with common benign murmurs found in children. Additionally, the fact that it often disappears with standing or during changes in respiration indicates that it is influenced by physiological changes in blood flow and vascular tone, which are typically observed in healthy children.

This understanding helps differentiate healthy murmurs from those that may indicate cardiac anomalies, which are often loud, harsh, or persistent regardless of posture or breathing changes.