Heart mumur

[Corndawg]

hello im posting here becuase im now closer than ever to enlist. the problem that i have is that i was born with a heart mumur but it never was a problem to me, im really active but now im just freaked out if i should tell my recruiter that i need more time and get a medical exam from a civilian doctor or just say now on the papers that i had a heart mumur and go to meps and possibly get dq'ed. i really wanted to be in the military ever since i was 10 and i dont want to anything else except the military.

[RR691983]

I'm pretty sure it will disqualify you. The question is, is it worth risking your life to go to Basic? Is it something you really want to do? That's a choice you have to make yourself and know the consequence of the decision.

[USMCRET6391]

There are some variables involved here. A heart murmur is not necessarily a life threatening condition. If it just a "noise" in the heart it shouldn't be a problem. If there is a defect in a valve, then yes you will be dq'd. The only way to know for sure is to see a cardiologist. If you are really ramped up to join the Military then by all means see a doctor. However, just because a civilian doctor tells you it shouldn't be a concern doesn't mean the Military is going to take you. Whatever you decide, make damn sure your recruiter knows about it before you sign anything or go to MEPS.

[333MP]

If you had a heart mummer as a baby, it does not necessarily mean that you have it now. I had one then and do not now. Although I never told the military about it. You may be able to get a waiver if it is no longer an issue.

[Guy Gordon Young]

I had and still have a heart mumur I was able to get in the Marines. This was in 1964. Put 8 years in. Two trips to Vietnam.

[Hasbeen]

"Are/Do you now, or have you ever...?"

I'm with Top and the others, they make several important points. Heart murmurs are not necessarily disqualifying or permanent (some will tell you most people have a slight one), but a potentially dangerous condition if you proceed without medical advice, or without disclosing it to your recruiter and the military.

You should initially let your cardiologist check it out, and get a current status of your earlier diagnosis. Once you know what type of murmur you have, and if it is favorable (benign), then begin the enlistment process. Again, be sure to tell your recruiter and have all the pertinent medical records to submit to MEPS when they request them. They may also require you to have an EKG and additional cardiology consultation. MEPS will make the decision regarding your medical fitness.

Good luck!

[RR691983]

Good info from some that know/BTDT. But as said defiantly get it looked at to ensure it's not something more serious. If it's not serious I would give some thought into disclosing it during enlistment but remember, if it comes up later and it is known that you failed to disclose your complete medical history you can be discharged for fraudulent enlistment.

[Corndawg]

thx guys, although it was never serious i kinda feel that it went away but im not a doctor to decide thanks for the tips

[Hasbeen]

We're here to help, good luck with everything!