Heart murmur

[Catloveruk]

Yesterday my GP referred me to cardiology for a suspected heart murmur. I have had a cough for weeks, my bp went really low, i feel a bit breathless and lightheaded He said itcouldbe a valve problem. Had blood tests and chest x ray today.My Mum had this. I am 55. I am worried because I am having these symptoms. Also because have no idea when I will get an appt? The ECG came back fine. Scared to do any exercise! Trying to keep calm.

[Hidden]

Hello

I can totally understand how this will frighten you especially after your Mum had this

I had 3 heart attacks and a triple Bypass never had a heart murmur or thought I had not had one

My Doctor came out last week to test my chest and she heard one it freaked me totally out

My surgeon was contacted and I went to see her a few days later

I had a scan and xray everything was looking good

She then went on to explain before my op I had a little murmur and the same after my op which was a slight leaking valve and she said very slightly and because it was only mild she felt there was no need to do anything about it as 3% of the population can have a slight leaking valve which never gets any worse to intervene with it and she suspected mine would stay the same

So I know you will no doubt be thinking the worst but it could be nothing at all or something very mild causing it but you do need that appointment to give you peace of mind

If they thought something serious was wrong they would have fast tracked you but they must think this is not needed and you are safe to go on the waiting list

If you could ask your Doctor or find who you will be seeing and phone their Secretary to get an idea of how long you will be waiting this may help your anxiety you are feeling and I would try and find out

Please keep moving about I know it makes you feel you do not want to but exercise is good for the heart

I know it is not easy but try not to overthink this your other tests were good so try and focus on that as this is a positive

Let us know how you get on x

[Catloveruk in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much! That has helped me settle..blood test shows i do not have heart disease which i know is just at this point in time but such a relief. I have had a letter from hospital saying if i don't hear by Wed then to ring them so at least i know things are moving.

[Hidden in reply to Catloveruk]

Someone once told me not to worry unless I am told there is something to worry about As I am a worrier this is hard for me but for those that can it is a perfect way to try and think and so true as well

It is a massive relief the tests are saying you do not have heart disease when the thoughts come in remind yourself of that

I am glad you have a letter so yes things are moving which I hope helps and let us know how you get on x

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

It’s a good thing the GP has picked it up… but of course news like this is worrying.Referrals are graded according to perceived urgency, so if you get a quick Appt it implies more urgent.

I’ve had leaky valves for over 10 years, and one has only just moved from mild to moderate. They check (echo) them annually, so it’s taken quite a long while. In my case, they say they won’t even consider intervening till it measures ‘severe’

You are younger than me (I’m now 78] and you have a family history, so their assessment of ‘urgency’ could be different?

[Catloveruk in reply to Kristin1812]

Thank you, yes my family history does make it more urgent tome and also with the mild symptoms. Do you tale medication for it can i ask?

[Kristin1812 Heart Star]

Sorry, but I’m not sure if anything in the cocktail of drugs I take is given particularly for the heart valve.

[Catloveruk in reply to Kristin1812]

Ok no problem

[Catloveruk]

How long does it take for an appt to come through in general forreferral for a murmur?

[GardeningFlowers]

I have been hit out of the blue with a heart murmur and ech cardiogram shows need valve replacement now. Just starting on this journey and emotions are all over. This site is so supportive and I am getting so much feedback from all these wonderful people who have been on the same or similar journey I am going on. Reach out anytime😊I am going to keep everyone posted. This will help me and I hope I can help others.

[Catloveruk in reply to GardeningFlowers]

Hi, that is s o sweet of you, yes people on here are so nice! It alls eems overwhelming doesn't it. Please keep in touch🙂

[Hidden]

Hi , it’s good you got checked out at the GP & that a referral was made.

It’s so understandable that it’s worrying you .It might be good to ask the gp practice about how long the referrals usually take. I’d hope it’ll be soon to ease your worries but also because it was so clear in the ecg so cardiology know what you’re dealing with.

I was diagnosed with a heart murmur last week that’d not been picked up in prior ecg’s & the cardiologist didn’t have concerns about it.

Thinking of you.

[Catloveruk in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! The latest is i know that i will be havingan e hoca rdiogram but aswitheverything, having to wait fora date. So somesortof progress. My bp seems tobe up and down though, variesfrom 90/60 to 150/60 ..so will check that out with doc. Really appreciate your advice, tak care x