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.
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!)
Smeagol and BV,
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