Heart Murmur {few queries!}

[ChirpyKez]

I fainted today, out of the blue, never happened before. Anyway, when they were examining me the doctor at the hospital said I had a heart murmur and there's no way to tell how long I ave had it as I've got no hospital history. I have always said to my friends and family that my heart feels like it's beating hard - by that I mean that I can really feel it pounding. The doctor didn't seem to concerned {I didn't mention the pounding!} but now it's got me thinking. For one thing I'm in the process of applying for the Army and I'm wondering if this could now cause me problems and that they might say no to me. Anyone know their rules? Do you think I should visit my GP or just carry on as usual Any advice would be welcomed, thanks.

[tinkerbell99]

my mother in law has a heart murmur an she seems to live a full and active life and it doesnt seem to affect her at all xx

[solitude]

I've had a heart murmur (or known about it) for nearly 30 yrs and it makes absolutely no difference to my life whatsoever. As to the military, I've have no idea what there rules are. Just don't freak out because you suddenly know you have a murmur. A lot of people have them but never know about it because it doesn't affect their health. I hope it doesn't hurt your chances with your career. Good luck.

[lizw]

I agree with Solitude - I've had a benign systolic heart murmur since I was born. I run half marathons regularly and go climbing a lot. The only thing I can't do is sprint quickly for over 100 mtrs. Heart murmurs like mine are whats called 'self limiting' - they do exactly that - the worse that can happen to me is I too faint. Go and have a word with your GP - I'm sure they will put your mind at rest.

[ChirpyKez]

I went to my GP last Friday and have got to have further tests at hospital.....just hope I haven't got to wait an eternity for an appointment!! I've got to have one of those scans done whn you go inside the machine lying down, can't think of the name right now! Fingers crossed.

[x799sej]

I have a heart murmur and it does not cause me any problems I think it depends on how much it leaks. I had to have an echocardiogram basically a scan on my chest to determine how bad it was. Have they given you one yet, how do you feel after exercise. Go back to your gp and explain that you want to go in army and that you want it to be looked at further to see how bad it is first. It might be ok you dont know till you have it checked out. Good luck

[ChirpyKez]

Hiya. I'm going for my ECG on Friday at the hospital so hopefully I'll know a bit more after that. I'm not looking forward to it though....do you have to strip off...I hate that?!!
I am finding excercise really hard, I don't feel faint but just totally knackered!! I have to run a mile and a half in 13 minutes and I'm way off, it's so depressing...I blame the murmur!