Military Aircrew and Heart Murmur
Gentleman Aviator
A bit off topic - I had a (benign!) heart murmur a couple of years ago. Don't know if it was one of those MVP things - not heard that phrase and I'm definitely not lean/tall/thin either - but it turns out the flow was so strong and high (although BP NOT high) that it was spilling over one of the valves, which was making the noise.
Had a scan - queueing up along with a load of preggie ladies - and actually saw my heart working in real time - including seeing the "overspill" causing the murmur.
One of the most miraculous things I've ever seen...............
Had a scan - queueing up along with a load of preggie ladies - and actually saw my heart working in real time - including seeing the "overspill" causing the murmur.
One of the most miraculous things I've ever seen...............
NDW,
After passing all medicals with flying colours, I was entered into the RAF for pilot training in 1970. On my second aircrew medical, the Group Captain medic detected a heart murmur. I was sent to hospital for check-ups egg etc. The heart specialist said who was the numpty who sent you here? You have a narrow rib cage and the heart is near to it, so it sounds louder.
I subsequently served over 30 years as a fast jet pilot.
Hope all turns out well for you.
M2N
After passing all medicals with flying colours, I was entered into the RAF for pilot training in 1970. On my second aircrew medical, the Group Captain medic detected a heart murmur. I was sent to hospital for check-ups egg etc. The heart specialist said who was the numpty who sent you here? You have a narrow rib cage and the heart is near to it, so it sounds louder.
I subsequently served over 30 years as a fast jet pilot.
Hope all turns out well for you.
M2N
Hi,
have been flying for 26 years mil and civi, an AME heard a murmur 15 years ago and sent me for a scan - no problems, a slight regurgitation around a valve, had probably always been there. He said if he listened to all the hearts on the high street, around 20% would have some sort of murmur. Now an airline captain and still murmurring away!! Best of luck
have been flying for 26 years mil and civi, an AME heard a murmur 15 years ago and sent me for a scan - no problems, a slight regurgitation around a valve, had probably always been there. He said if he listened to all the hearts on the high street, around 20% would have some sort of murmur. Now an airline captain and still murmurring away!! Best of luck
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Kind comments
All,
Thank you very much for your kind comments, genuinely means a great deal.
The disappointment stage has now since passed and now I'm into the perseverance and determination stage. This will (hopefully) only be a minor setback and I'm determined to ensure I can continue, fit and well, with my application in the soonest.
CamelSpyyder;
Thanks for your comment, if only it were that easy ey!! 
Kindest regards.
Thank you very much for your kind comments, genuinely means a great deal.
The disappointment stage has now since passed and now I'm into the perseverance and determination stage. This will (hopefully) only be a minor setback and I'm determined to ensure I can continue, fit and well, with my application in the soonest.
CamelSpyyder;
Somebody in recruiting - please give Nathan a job. He's been trying to get in as a WSOp for about 7 (seven) years and I think he deserves it just for his bloody-minded persistence!!
Kindest regards.
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Thanks Octane.
I'll keep everyone updated - hopefully it will provide some information for anyone else going through the recruitment stages who may be in a similar situation.
Best regards,
NDW
I'll keep everyone updated - hopefully it will provide some information for anyone else going through the recruitment stages who may be in a similar situation.
Best regards,
NDW
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Not wishing to spoil anyone's party but....................
I had a 'heart murmur' detected during an RAF medical at Biggin Hill and unfortunately it meant that I could never fly as anything other than as a PPL. The RAF offered me a cadetship in Engineering but being just a tad disappointed at not being able to become a pilot I thought that I could not handle being so close to my chosen career without being able to do it.
I had undertaken two previous medicals at Biggin and passed both. The diagnosis was that I had had a mild case of rheumatic between the 2nd and 3rd medicals which damaged my heart.
It was a wrong diagnosis as a few years later when ultrasound imaging became available I was examined by a Harley St cardiologist ( Oil company medical) who told me that I had a bicuspid aortic valve (and still have !) and I was born with it. He also said that whoever picked this up was having a good day with a warm stethoscope.
The good news is that the original (wrong) diagnosis happened in 1969 and would unlikely happen today as ultrasound and MRI scans can clearly identify my problem today. In my case the outcome would likely have been the same. "No career in flying for you my son"
The good news is that I was told that I would probably need an aortic valve replacement by the age of 50, I am now 64 and the valve is holding up well, I have ultrasound scans every couple of years and to date no changes.
Hope it turns out better for you NDW.
I had a 'heart murmur' detected during an RAF medical at Biggin Hill and unfortunately it meant that I could never fly as anything other than as a PPL. The RAF offered me a cadetship in Engineering but being just a tad disappointed at not being able to become a pilot I thought that I could not handle being so close to my chosen career without being able to do it.
I had undertaken two previous medicals at Biggin and passed both. The diagnosis was that I had had a mild case of rheumatic between the 2nd and 3rd medicals which damaged my heart.
It was a wrong diagnosis as a few years later when ultrasound imaging became available I was examined by a Harley St cardiologist ( Oil company medical) who told me that I had a bicuspid aortic valve (and still have !) and I was born with it. He also said that whoever picked this up was having a good day with a warm stethoscope.
The good news is that the original (wrong) diagnosis happened in 1969 and would unlikely happen today as ultrasound and MRI scans can clearly identify my problem today. In my case the outcome would likely have been the same. "No career in flying for you my son"
The good news is that I was told that I would probably need an aortic valve replacement by the age of 50, I am now 64 and the valve is holding up well, I have ultrasound scans every couple of years and to date no changes.
Hope it turns out better for you NDW.
So despite being told repeatedly in this thread that I was wrong it turns out that a heart murmur is sadly not always benign.
From the outset I have tried to highlight that the news is not always positive. Thankfully though it might be. Once again NDW I wish you all the best and I hope your news is good.
BV (not feeling smug just don't like to be told I'm wrong without categorical proof!)
From the outset I have tried to highlight that the news is not always positive. Thankfully though it might be. Once again NDW I wish you all the best and I hope your news is good.
BV (not feeling smug just don't like to be told I'm wrong without categorical proof!)
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Not wishing to spoil anyone's party but....................
I had a 'heart murmur' detected during an RAF medical at Biggin Hill and unfortunately it meant that I could never fly as anything other than as a PPL. The RAF offered me a cadetship in Engineering but being just a tad disappointed at not being able to become a pilot I thought that I could not handle being so close to my chosen career without being able to do it.
I had undertaken two previous medicals at Biggin and passed both. The diagnosis was that I had had a mild case of rheumatic between the 2nd and 3rd medicals which damaged my heart.
It was a wrong diagnosis as a few years later when ultrasound imaging became available I was examined by a Harley St cardiologist ( Oil company medical) who told me that I had a bicuspid aortic valve (and still have !) and I was born with it. He also said that whoever picked this up was having a good day with a warm stethoscope.
The good news is that the original (wrong) diagnosis happened in 1969 and would unlikely happen today as ultrasound and MRI scans can clearly identify my problem today. In my case the outcome would likely have been the same. "No career in flying for you my son"
The good news is that I was told that I would probably need an aortic valve replacement by the age of 50, I am now 64 and the valve is holding up well, I have ultrasound scans every couple of years and to date no changes.
Hope it turns out better for you NDW.
I had a 'heart murmur' detected during an RAF medical at Biggin Hill and unfortunately it meant that I could never fly as anything other than as a PPL. The RAF offered me a cadetship in Engineering but being just a tad disappointed at not being able to become a pilot I thought that I could not handle being so close to my chosen career without being able to do it.
I had undertaken two previous medicals at Biggin and passed both. The diagnosis was that I had had a mild case of rheumatic between the 2nd and 3rd medicals which damaged my heart.
It was a wrong diagnosis as a few years later when ultrasound imaging became available I was examined by a Harley St cardiologist ( Oil company medical) who told me that I had a bicuspid aortic valve (and still have !) and I was born with it. He also said that whoever picked this up was having a good day with a warm stethoscope.
The good news is that the original (wrong) diagnosis happened in 1969 and would unlikely happen today as ultrasound and MRI scans can clearly identify my problem today. In my case the outcome would likely have been the same. "No career in flying for you my son"
The good news is that I was told that I would probably need an aortic valve replacement by the age of 50, I am now 64 and the valve is holding up well, I have ultrasound scans every couple of years and to date no changes.
Hope it turns out better for you NDW.
So despite being told repeatedly in this thread that I was wrong it turns out that a heart murmur is sadly not always benign.
From the outset I have tried to highlight that the news is not always positive. Thankfully though it might be. Once again NDW I wish you all the best and I hope your news is good.
BV (not feeling smug just don't like to be told I'm wrong without categorical proof!)
From the outset I have tried to highlight that the news is not always positive. Thankfully though it might be. Once again NDW I wish you all the best and I hope your news is good.
BV (not feeling smug just don't like to be told I'm wrong without categorical proof!)
Thank you both for your comments. I'm remaining optimistic, however I also have to accept that it may not go my way. I'm preparing (but hopefully won't need) for the latter, but I have everything crossed.
Again, thank you all for your kind and encouraging words - I'll keep you all updated.
Kindest regards,
NDW
Whatever tests, private or NHS, you have done, you can usually get a copy of the tape/trace/disk to take away with you. Probably for a small fee - and best to request in advance. So even if you don't understand it, you've got a copy to show a future expert opinion.
Good luck. LFH
Good luck. LFH
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After having my stents nailed in last year etc I was given a printout to carry with me as I have an inverted T wave in my rhythm, that way if I ever have to come in again I am supposed to hand it to the Ambulance bods so they know what is what.
NDW,
I had a heart murmur picked up too when I did oasc in 2006. Sent off to a specialist, who said it was benign.
In still an RAF pilot. The heart murmur still gets picked up on 50% ish of my PMEs.
Best of luck!
I had a heart murmur picked up too when I did oasc in 2006. Sent off to a specialist, who said it was benign.
In still an RAF pilot. The heart murmur still gets picked up on 50% ish of my PMEs.
Best of luck!
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NDW,
I had a heart murmur picked up too when I did oasc in 2006. Sent off to a specialist, who said it was benign.
In still an RAF pilot. The heart murmur still gets picked up on 50% ish of my PMEs.
Best of luck!
I had a heart murmur picked up too when I did oasc in 2006. Sent off to a specialist, who said it was benign.
In still an RAF pilot. The heart murmur still gets picked up on 50% ish of my PMEs.
Best of luck!
Thanks for your reply. Out of interest, was your application significantly delayed by this result?
I'm waiting it out and hoping that the news will be good on Tuesday.
Best regards to all,
NDW
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Fingers crossed for you, NDW 
Ever thought of just having your heart removed and cracking on? You won't need it when you get in (as your perseverance at least suggests) - nobody who's done well in the military that I know of ever had a heart anyway 
Sorry, couldn't resist, but you'll get plenty of banter and wholly inappropriate humour on the other side of selection anyway!
Sorry, couldn't resist, but you'll get plenty of banter and wholly inappropriate humour on the other side of selection anyway!
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Fingers crossed for you, NDW
Ever thought of just having your heart removed and cracking on? You won't need it when you get in (as your perseverance at least suggests) - nobody who's done well in the military that I know of ever had a heart anyway
Sorry, couldn't resist, but you'll get plenty of banter and wholly inappropriate humour on the other side of selection anyway!
Sorry, couldn't resist, but you'll get plenty of banter and wholly inappropriate humour on the other side of selection anyway!
- as one of the RM's ethos say 'smile in the face of adversity'
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Good morning all,
Well after a few administrative issues this morning at my GP; I'm now having my ECG done this afternoon, where as it should have been done this AM.
The GP listened and he too said he could hear a heart murmur, thankfully I'm able to get the ECG this afternoon as I'm getting fairly anxious about the whole situation (something unfortunately I tend to have when it comes to Medicals/GP visits/Hosp visits etc) - must be a case of good ol' white coat syndrome!
Will report back this PM,
Regards,
NDW
Well after a few administrative issues this morning at my GP; I'm now having my ECG done this afternoon, where as it should have been done this AM.
The GP listened and he too said he could hear a heart murmur, thankfully I'm able to get the ECG this afternoon as I'm getting fairly anxious about the whole situation (something unfortunately I tend to have when it comes to Medicals/GP visits/Hosp visits etc) - must be a case of good ol' white coat syndrome!
Will report back this PM,
Regards,
NDW
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ECG
Afternoon all,
Well - I've just come back from my ECG with not the best news - however awaiting a call from the Doc ref my results.
An abnormality was found, but what it is, is still very much a guessing game, my heart rate was around 96-100 (due to anxiety).
So, presuming next stage will be to have an Echo and to visit the Cardio chap!
Best regards,
NDW
Well - I've just come back from my ECG with not the best news - however awaiting a call from the Doc ref my results.
An abnormality was found, but what it is, is still very much a guessing game, my heart rate was around 96-100 (due to anxiety).
So, presuming next stage will be to have an Echo and to visit the Cardio chap!
Best regards,
NDW
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Fingers crossed for you mate
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This is only loosely relevant, because it concerns pilots having minor medical complaints, not medical problems picked-up in a medical inspection.
My father, an RAF pilot in the 1930s to 1960s, always advised his fellow pilots to avoid going to the MO over minor medical complaints. He belly-landed a Vampire and a few months later went to the MO complaining of stomach pain when flying at altitude. The medics suspected an ulcer and did all possible checks, but came up with no explanation for his pain. The incident caused him to be medically down-graded, resulting in him being barred from flying overseas.
He subsequently received a tip-off from a WAAF he knew at the MoD that when it his name came up at promotion boards, he would be passed-over, the question being voiced 'Is he better yet?' I think there may have been some suspicion that he was funking it, having possibly 'lost his nerve' after his Vampire forced landing. Eventually he managed to persuade the medics to restore his medical grading, on the grounds that the pains no longer troubled him and concern about his frozen promotion was doing him no good at all. However, although he got his bill of health, the damage had by then been done... he was no longer in the promotional 'A' stream.
Thus his advice was to steer clear of the MO and go private for minor medical problems. With modern medical knowledge, it seems likely that his stomach pains were probably due to a gut-bloating bug like H-pylori, but of course, this was unheard-of in those days. He retired as a Wg Cdr, but cites this incident as being one of several factors that held him back from gaining higher promotion.
My father, an RAF pilot in the 1930s to 1960s, always advised his fellow pilots to avoid going to the MO over minor medical complaints. He belly-landed a Vampire and a few months later went to the MO complaining of stomach pain when flying at altitude. The medics suspected an ulcer and did all possible checks, but came up with no explanation for his pain. The incident caused him to be medically down-graded, resulting in him being barred from flying overseas.
He subsequently received a tip-off from a WAAF he knew at the MoD that when it his name came up at promotion boards, he would be passed-over, the question being voiced 'Is he better yet?' I think there may have been some suspicion that he was funking it, having possibly 'lost his nerve' after his Vampire forced landing. Eventually he managed to persuade the medics to restore his medical grading, on the grounds that the pains no longer troubled him and concern about his frozen promotion was doing him no good at all. However, although he got his bill of health, the damage had by then been done... he was no longer in the promotional 'A' stream.
Thus his advice was to steer clear of the MO and go private for minor medical problems. With modern medical knowledge, it seems likely that his stomach pains were probably due to a gut-bloating bug like H-pylori, but of course, this was unheard-of in those days. He retired as a Wg Cdr, but cites this incident as being one of several factors that held him back from gaining higher promotion.