Seriousness of a Heart murmur

[jeff]

I was recently told that I have a heart murmur, my question is, is it safe to exercise, and if so, what restriction should I go by.  The reason I ask, when I exercise I get light headed and my heart will race to the point that I feel that I am going to pass out, and I have blurred vision.  Anything information that you can provide would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you.

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

Hi Mel,
Unfortunately we're not allowed to make diagnosis on this site.  The best person for that job is your personal physician.  Good luck.

[mel]

I am 52 and have had an irregular heart rate for about the past 15 years.  I saw a Cardiologist in 1990, had a stress EKG, and he found my symptioms very interesting.  At times, my heart rate will kick up for no apparent reason (maybe stress relates) to a rate of 120 or higher.  At times, my heart rate has increased to 160/min and after a period of time at this rate, I become very listless and tired, because the blood in not properly pumping throughout my system to my muscles, etc.  It becomes a real problem with my heart rate stays at about 160/min and does not come down without medication.  I have been hospitalized 3 or 4 times over the past 15 to 18 years, but none since 1990.  I had to be given an I.V. of Verrapamil (spelling?) which immediately brings the rate down once it hits the heart.  
I was told that I have an electrical impulse problem causing the higher heart rate at times.  A sonogram at the time did not show any enlargement of the heart, which was good.  A suggestion was that someday I may need a pacemaker.  
I have been dealing with this daily, without the high end heart rate, and it has become a normal way of life.  Over the past 5 years, I have noticed that I get exausted quicker and breathe much harder after minimal exercise.  Fortunately, no chest pains that I can detect anyway.
I'm planning on seeing a cardiologist after the first of the year for extensive testing.  What is your diagnosis based on the symptioms described above.  I would appreciate whatever information you can provide.  
Thank you....Mel

[Cleveland Clinic, MD]

It depends on what type of murmur it is.  Probably the best test at this point would be an echocardiogram.