Unexpected Heart Murmur at 24: Concerns About HOCM
At the age of 24, standing at 4'11" and weighing 98 lbs, I've recently been notified by my doctor that I have a slight heart murmur. This diagnosis is noteworthy due to my family history; both my father and grandmother suffered from Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy (HOCM). I typically have check-ups with my cardiologist every couple of years, though it’s been two years since my last appointment. During that visit, an echocardiogram was performed, which yielded normal results, and there were no murmurs detected—my cardiologist was quite thorough in his examination. Given that my grandmother had a serious surgical procedure and faced significant health challenges, I'm understandably anxious about this new finding. My general practitioner was somewhat vague regarding the specifics of the murmur's location but did mention it during my visit today. Fortunately, I've secured an appointment with my cardiologist next week to explore this matter further and ease my worries.
Answers (1)
2/6/2026, 7:10:29 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about finding a heart murmur, especially considering your family history with HOCM. While the news can be concerning, there are proactive steps you can take to address your worries and clarify your health status.
Understanding Heart Murmurs and HOCM
A heart murmur is a sound made by blood flowing through the heart or nearby blood vessels, usually detected through a stethoscope. Many murmurs are harmless (innocent murmurs), but they can sometimes indicate underlying heart conditions, especially with a family history of HOCM. Since your echocardiogram was normal two years ago, it's a positive sign, but follow-up evaluations can provide more clarity.
Your Prioritized Next Steps:
-
Prepare for Your Cardiologist Appointment: Write down any symptoms you've noticed (like palpitations, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort) and any questions you have regarding the murmur and your family history. This can help ensure you get all the information you need during your visit.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your health. If you notice any concerning symptoms such as increased shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or chest pain before your appointment, consider discussing these with your doctor.
-
Maintain Regular Check-Ups: Since you have a family history of HOCM, staying in touch with your cardiologist is key. Continue to schedule regular check-ups even if you feel fine, as heart conditions can sometimes develop gradually.
-
Adopt a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and engage in regular physical activity that suits your health. Staying active can improve your overall heart health.
-
Stay Informed but Reassured: It’s okay to feel anxious. Educating yourself about HOCM and understanding that heart murmurs can have various benign causes may help alleviate some of your concerns.
Remember, heart health is a journey, and keeping communication open with your healthcare provider is invaluable. You’re taking the right steps by seeking further evaluation, and I commend you for your proactive approach.
Related Questions
Concerns About Ear Irrigation at the Pediatrician's Office for My Son
Summary: Can using a spray-type irrigation for ear wax removal harm a five-year-old? My child had a extreme reaction and experienced significant pain during and shortly after the procedure. I have a five-year-old son who suffers from severe allergies to both foods and environmental factors, alongside eczema which is mostly controlled. He takes Famotidine to manage reflux and a daily children's multivitamin, but does not regularly take any other medications. He has no history of surgeries. Although he has consulted with an ENT in the past, I don’t believe this is particularly relevant to the current situation, yet I will provide details later. During a recent well-visit at the pediatrician's office for five-year-olds, my son struggled with the hearing test, which marked the first time he did not perform well. In this examination, he wore headphones that emitted various beeps and was supposed to indicate which ear he heard the sounds from. The staff expressed concerns regarding his performance on the left side. As our assigned provider, the Physician's Assistant (PA) examined his ear and noted the presence of wax, suspecting it might be impeding his hearing. When she attempted to use a plastic curette, my son resisted and stated that it hurt. The PA remarked that the wax was harder than she anticipated, leading her to opt for an irrigation method to remove it. The nurses proceeded to administer some red-tinted drops, which he tolerated other than their cold temperature. A few minutes later, he laid down, and they used a spray bottle to irrigate his ear. At this point, he screamed as though we had never experienced before—he fought against the staff and cried intensely, even holding his breath to the extent that they needed to remind him to breathe. His reaction was reminiscent of when he has sustained a severe injury, such as from a significant fall. His cries of pain made it clear that he was genuinely suffering. After only a few moments, they decided to halt the procedure, presumably realizing that his discomfort was not an act of dramatization, and I was on the verge of stopping them myself due to my rising concern. When he eventually settled down, I inquired about the nature of his pain: whether it was a hot or burning sensation, a sting from the cold water, or a feeling of pressure in his ear. He communicated that it felt like it was going to burst inside, which suggests pressure-related pain. The irrigation attempt did not fully clear the wax they noticed. Now they are recommending that we use Debrox drops daily combined with a warm washcloth pressed against his ear after a steamy bath each night. We are to return in two weeks to check if the wax has been successfully removed and to retest his hearing. Though he appears to be okay now, he is visibly upset due to the discomfort from the procedure, especially since he had begged them to stop. He has also mentioned a sensation of water still being trapped in his ear and has been tilting his head intermittently as if it bothers him. This all transpired today right after the irrigation session. Could the forceful spraying of water have caused any damage to his eardrum, especially considering the intensity of his screams? I have previously experienced a perforated eardrum and am anxious about the potential harm this procedure may have inflicted on him. We avoid using Q-tips and inserting anything into his ears. What preventive measures should we adopt routinely to avoid wax buildup? This marks the second instance of noticeable wax at his pediatric visits, despite him bathing daily. I am puzzled as to why only one side is accumulating wax. Last year, the first attempt at wax removal was successful using a curette. ENT Background: At age three, my son was having trouble sleeping. An ENT suggested a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, although there were no other alarming symptoms to justify the surgery besides his restlessness at night. We sought a second opinion, where the new ENT indicated that while his tonsils appeared fine, his adenoids were mildly enlarged and might be beneficial to remove. However, due to COVID-19 and RSV, the surgery was postponed twice, leading us to reconsider the necessity of the operation. Given that he is now sleeping better, we have yet to pursue surgery thus far. I appreciate you taking the time to read through this lengthy account!
Experiencing Heart Pounding After Stopping Sudafed: Is It Cause for Concern?
At 24 years old, I've been experiencing a sensation that my heart is racing as if it's about to burst. This all started after I was dealing with a severe sinus infection and decided to take Sudafed extended-release tablets for six consecutive days. Ever since I discontinued the medication, my heart feels as though it's beating excessively hard, reminiscent of a fight-or-flight response. Should I be alarmed by this change, or could it possibly be a side effect from the Sudafed I had been using?
Experiencing Heart Palpitations When Turning Eyes to the Side?
As a 19-year-old male dealing with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and strabismus, I have recently noticed that I experience heart palpitations when I look sharply to either side. I’m uncertain if there’s a connection between these two issues, but that’s the only link I can draw. Generally, my health is good, although I was born prematurely. The palpitations feel like a combination of fluttering and pounding, and they occur specifically when I shift my gaze dramatically. I discovered this phenomenon somewhat accidentally during my annual eye appointment. Should I be concerned about this, or is it something that can be overlooked?
Deciphering My Laboratory Findings
Although I won’t have a consultation with my doctor for another month, I received most of my lab findings today and am eager to comprehend their implications and trends. I am 24 years old, weigh 115 pounds, and my height is 4 feet 11 inches. I do not smoke and consume alcohol infrequently, approximately two drinks monthly. My blood pressure and glucose levels are within normal ranges, and my heart rate is also typical. Additionally, there is a familial history of diabetes and kidney and liver disorders, alongside irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). I have been experiencing chronic diarrhea for over six months, characterized by a yellowish hue. During my recent examination, my doctor pressed on my abdomen and found no abnormalities or pain. **Celiac Disease Screening:** There are no indicators of celiac disease based on the serological tests. **C-Reactive Protein Test:** My result was 3.8, which is elevated. **Comprehensive Metabolic Panel:** All results fell within normal limits, except for an ALT (SGPT) level of 9, which is considered low. **Thyroid Stimulating Hormone with Free T4 Reflex:** This test is in the acceptable range, with a result of 1.42. **Lipid Profile:** - Cholesterol: 249 (elevated) - Triglycerides: 189 (elevated) - HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): 45 (low) - Cholesterol/HDL Ratio: 5.5 (elevated) - LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) Calculated: 166.2 (elevated) **Hemoglobin A1C:** - Hemoglobin A1C: 4.8 - Estimated Average Glucose (eAG): 91 From what I have gathered, my cholesterol levels are quite concerning (I recognize that managing them is crucial), and it appears that I may be consuming a diet high in fats that my body is struggling to process effectively. However, I remain uncertain about whether this issue extends to my organs.
Could These Chest Pains Signal a Heart Attack?
At 21 years old, I’ve been struggling with chest pain for approximately four months. The discomfort manifests as a sharp, crushing sensation located in my heart area. Initially, it was only noticeable when I lay on my left side for extended periods, but now it has intensified. I find it challenging to sleep on my left side, and recently, the pain has started to occur even when I’m lying on my right. This agony has disrupted my sleep many times; it wakes me up and leaves me unable to move for about five minutes, although the pain subsides once I manage to get up. The feeling reminds me of what I imagine a heart attack would be like, yet I am still here, so I’m left puzzled. Could anyone suggest what this might indicate? Does this seem similar to symptoms of pericarditis?