Should I take Doctors Advice

   I am a 27yr male. I recently  pinched a nerve in my left hand. During the examination the Doctor asked " How long have you had the heart murmur?".
  MY response was "What heart murmur?".She listened for a moment and then said not to worry about it. At the time I did as she told me. Now 8 months later I,m reading in a magizine that maybe My Doctor should have done more than listen with stethoscopes. I'm wondering if I should have more tests done to evaluate the murmur. Can a Doctor tell alot about a murmur just by listening ?

[CCF Cardio MD - MTR]

Dear Donald, thank you for your question.  Heart murmurs can signify an abnormality
in one of the cardiac valves, but are often considered to be "benign."  A murmur occurs
when there is turbulence to blood flow in the heart, a valve leaks, or when there
is increased blood flow through the heart (as in chronic anemia or hyperthyroidism).
Often, a physician can determine the source of a murmur through subtle differences
in the sound of a murmur heard with a stethescope.  For example, benign murmurs
sound different than murmurs from a leaking heart valve (i.e. - mitral regurgitation).
In most instances, confirmatory tests are not necessary to determine the source of
a murmur.  However, when a murmur is heard that is suspicious for one of the
aforementioned problems, an echocardiogram is obtained to confirm the physician's
suspicions.  An echocardiogram is an ultrasound study of the heart that images
the cardiac chambers, the heart muscle, and the valves.  An echocardiogram can
provide a lot of information regarding the heart muscle function, the competence
of the valves, and the flow of blood through the heart.  It's hard for me to
comment on whether you need an echocardiogram since I've never listened to your
heart.  However, you should talk to the physician that noticed your murmur to
ask her what she thinks it is and whether you need an echocardiogram.  Most
likely, at your age, you have benign murmur that shouldn't cause concern but
you should get a firm answer from your physician.  I hope you find this information
useful.
Information provided in the heart forum is for genearl purposes only.   Specific
diagnoses and therapies can only be provided by your physician.