I do a lot of routine physical exams on babies, and I am rarely surprised by anything unusual. In fact, as I start each exam, I hope not to find anything strange. But every so often I notice something that requires attention. Most abnormal physical findings aren’t serious, and I usually can figure out a clear and easy way to explain medical problems to parents so they don’t worry too much. But today I found the strangest medical problem ever, or so I’d thought at first.

I was listening to a baby’s heart as the mom held the baby in her arms, and I heard the weirdest heartbeat ever. It had two distinct rhythms. I could hear the usual rapid bump bump bump of the baby’s heart, but I could also hear a slower and louder beating sound at the same time. I listened for about 60 seconds, not because I needed the extra time to figure out what was wrong with the heart, but because I needed to stall for time to figure out just how to tell these parents that their baby had a heart problem. I managed to formulate some reassuring and decisive words in my mind that I hoped would let the parents know something might be wrong with the heart without having them get all freaked out with worry.

I took the stethoscope out of my ears, stood up straight, and prepared to deliver the news. It was then that I found the source of the extra heartbeat. The mom was gently patting the baby’s back to keep him quiet.

Whew.

So, instead of saying “Your baby may have a heart problem” I was able to proclaim, “Great, everything sounds just fine with the heart”. I couldn’t resist telling her why I had spent so much time listening to her baby’s heart. She thought it was funny, I think. Or maybe she just thought I was stupid.

One of these days I may find a baby with two hearts, and if I do, I’ll know just what to say to the parents.

Dr. Bob