After how many hours of life are ejection clicks considered abnormal?

Ejection clicks refer to sounds produced by the heart during the ejection phase of ventricular systole, often associated with the opening of semilunar valves. In neonates, the presence of these clicks can be common in the first hours of life as the cardiovascular system undergoes normal adaptation after birth.

After 24 hours of life, the physiological transition should be mostly complete, and persistent ejection clicks are considered abnormal. This is because significant adaptations in the circulatory system should result in the resolution of transient sounds like ejection clicks. If they continue beyond this time frame, they may indicate structural heart abnormalities such as congenital heart disease or other cardiovascular issues that would require further evaluation and management.

Understanding this timeline helps clinicians differentiate between normal physiological changes and potential pathologies in neonates. Monitoring and evaluating heart sounds in this period are essential for appropriate care and intervention.