$Unique_ID{BRK01651}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Heart Murmur in Young Adults and Participation in Sports}
$Subject{heart murmur cause danger Circulatory System Young Sports failure
congenital adolescents ejection murmurs Youngsters Sport failures adolescent
athletic athletics athlete athletes child care children}
$Volume{G-3,S-3}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Heart Murmur in Young Adults and Participation in Sports


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QUESTION:  I am 14 years old and I was born with a heart murmur.  My doctor
told me there was nothing to worry about, but I am still afraid.  I want to
join the track team, but heard of a kid with a murmur that died from heart
failure.  I don't want this to happen to me.  Please tell me what I should do?

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ANSWER:  When a heart murmur is discovered at birth it is called a
"congenital" murmur, but it does not necessarily indicate the presence of a
heart defect.  A murmur is merely a sound, caused by the passage of blood
through the heart and blood vessels.  At your age, and in adolescents and
young adults, it is most frequently caused by the speed of the blood flowing
out of the heart (ejection murmur) and is considered an "innocent" murmur in
that it is not the sign of a disease.  Usually the sound is soft, of low
intensity and short duration.  When the murmur is the sign of something wrong,
there are usually other sounds along with it, as well as positive findings on
other tests.  Your situation is not an unusual one, and if your own physician,
after a complete physical and evaluation has advised you that all is well, I
can see no reason for you not to participate in the sport of your choice.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.