TMBRA - Rider Board

[Jerry Clark]

Hi Doc,
I just went for a check up. My N.P. says I have a heart murmer which I've known about all my life. I've led a normal life active I race mnt bks and I've never let this stop me .I'm 50 yrs old is there any reason to stop training or make any changes other than to train harder? Feeling crusty Jerry

[The Bike Doc]

Jerry:

You likely have an innocent murmur. However, I cannot give absolute assurance that is the case. About 30% of individuals have innocent murmurs and require no special therapy. However, if the murmur is due to an abnormality in the heart, then preventative therapy with a brief course of antibiotics to avoid an infection of the heart, called endocarditis, should be taken whenever there are times for risks of transient bacteria in the blood such as dental procedures, insturmentation of the GI tract (read colonoscopy) or with surgeries. If you are not certain you have an inocent murmur, get an evaluation by a cardiologist.

Thanks,
_________________
Paul K. Nolan, MD
AKA: The Bike Doc