Innocent Heart Murmurs

What are innocent heart murmurs?

Innocent heart murmurs are sounds made by the blood circulating through the heart's chambers and valves or through blood vessels near the heart. They're sometimes called other names such as "functional" or "physiologic" (FIZ'e-o-LOJ'ik) murmurs.

Are innocent heart murmurs normal?

Innocent murmurs are common in children and are quite harmless. In any group of children, a large percentage is likely to have had one at some time. Innocent murmurs also may disappear and then reappear. Most innocent murmurs disappear when a child reaches adulthood, but some adults still have them. When a child's heart rate changes, such as during excitement or fear, the innocent murmurs may become louder or softer. This still doesn't mean that the murmur is abnormal.

Sometimes, when a doctor first hears the murmur through a stethoscope, he or she may want to have other tests done to be sure the murmur is innocent. After that, there's no need for a cardiac reevaluation unless the patient or doctor has more questions. The child doesn't need medication, won't have cardiac symptoms, and doesn't have a heart problem or heart disease. A parent doesn't need to pamper the child or restrict his or her diet or activities. The child can be as active as any other normal, healthy child.



Does this hinder me from joining the Corps?
Thanks,
Lamm

If it has been medically documented, you will want to be up front with your recruiters. I do not know if MEPS will fail your physical based on this or not.

My advice, visit your doctor and have him or a specialist run the necessary tests. Get all of the documentation and present it to your recruiter ahead of time. If it will require a waiver, the process will be smoother for you if you have everything in a nice, neat little package. Remember to keep copies of everything you give them.

If you are healthy today and can medically prove it - then there shouldn't be any problems, other than having to obtain a medical waiver, which can sometimes be a long and tedious process.

Just remember to be honest - lying may be easier, but it can really come back to bite you later.

Hi Lamm,
I have an innocent heart murmur. My recruiter just told me to go to my doctor get my medical records, and a letter from my doctor stating that it wont interfere with boot camp. I never needed a waiver. When I went to MEPS, they didn’t ask me about it, but when I was taken into a private room to be examined the doctor listened to my heart, and said that he could just barely hear the murmur. I hope that my experience helps. I do recommend you be honest about everything!

Good Luck

Thanks for the information, it helped. I've asked other about this, and they too said not to worry. One guy has a more serious one and can go in.
Thanks again,
Lamm

I have a Heart Murmour ( Valve Prolapse ) and i didnt have any problems getting in. My only problem is that i cant have dental treatment without anti biotics first.

Thanks for the information.
Lamm

Originally Posted by pattheoneuk

I have a Heart Murmour ( Valve Prolapse ) and i didnt have any problems getting in. My only problem is that i cant have dental treatment without anti biotics first.

i was discharged from the Army due to mitro vaule prolaspe in my heart, im not sure what it is, but it turned out to be a lung infection and nothing wrong with my heart, so im stuck and cant re-enlist, so make sure you get every possible test done to say your in top notch health.