Heart Murmur in 75 year old mother

Posted By  CCF Cardio MD-SGM on October 24, 1997 at 07:07:39:

In Reply to: Heart Murmur in 75 year old mother posted by Ann Cummings on October 22, 1997 at 01:11:27:

: My mother, who smoked for 50 years, has been having problems with shortness of breath, pain up around her neck exacerbated by exercise or exersion, difficulty lifting weights (trash cans, groceries, etc.), difficulty walking more than 25 yards, was recently told by a nurse practitioner that she had a "very loud" heart murmur and should have an MRI done as soon as possible.  My mother, in for a follow-up appointment after having developed pneumonia in her right lung told the nurse practitioner she would have the MRI done in November after her trip to Montanta to visit her sister (a trip that has been planned for 4 months).  I am VERY concerned about her postponing the test and follow up treatment.  She's being stubborn.  What are the risks?  If she takes this trip, she has baggage and her books/papers for her genealogical research she plans on a layover in Salt Lake City.

  Am I over-reacting?

  THANK YOU for your help and donating your time and services to the public on these very important issues.  

[CCF Cardio MD-SGM]

Dear Ann,

I would think that you