just took the MEPs...i'm still incomplete!

[FireKila23]

Hey guys, well I took the MEPs yesterday (Marine Corps OCS) and everything went pretty well until I met with the doctor and he informed me that I had a heart murmur. This was was definitely news to me since last time I had a physical everything was fine so that was a bit surprising. Anyway I also took an EKG because it's required for officer candidates and that came out normal, now my question is this, if my EKG was fine wouldn't that mean that my heart beat should also be normal? I took an echo cardiogram today and I'll get those results either tomorrow or Monday so hopefully it'll be good news. So has my situation ever happened to any of you guys, like maybe it could have been the doctor's mistake? Any info would be helpful, thanks!

-FK23

[JHP]

Yes, have had he same problem with a few quacks with a stethoscope! I had a heart problem and a murmer and to include a ventricular prolapse(blood running back to the heart) All this because of a quack that had a hearing problem. After about 3000.00 of expenses that my agency made me go through, i found that nothing was wrong!!!!! Normal heart! No problems!
Pissed me off after I had to pay all the deductables on the insurance but was relieved I had no problem.

Don't sweat it, get it checked. If it is from a DOCTOR with a scope on your chest using his/her ears! Ask him/her when was the last time they had their ears checked! I also had a similiar experience in a medical exam with my eyes, idiot said I could not see good enough in the left eye. Spent the money to get it checked further (again agency BS) Eye specialist stated to me "Mickey Mantle would have liked your eye sight" so again Doc wrong. Maybe hey needed to CLEAN their eye checking instruments.

But do get it checked!

:bounce: JHP

[Serpico6]

I’m by no means a doctor, but I think a heart murmur involves the bicuspid and tricuspid valves of the heart not closing correctly. The EKG "electrocardiogram" I believe, looks at how your heat is firing or beating, and if its in the correct sequence. I know one or two people who also have heart murmurs and I don’t think that they have been effected by them too much. I really don’t know if this will disqualify you from the military or not. Hope this helps.

The EKG should only take a few minutes. That is unless their is something they find. Regardless of what the test tell the doctor, make sure you get this checkout and ask lots and lots of questions!

[RoscoeRuhl]

You'll find that probably 8 out of 10 people will be told something to the effect that "you've got a heart murmur"! Small children are notorious for having them. I suppose that anything other than the standard routine beat pattern will be looked at with some suspicion. The end result is that you're either going to be passed and cleared or be required to have a consultation with a specialist. The best thing to happen is for the first result! There's something to be said for the MEPS system, however the quality of the physicians doing the testing is not the issue. These are proficient, trained competent medical professionals. They normally see far more people on a daily, weekly, monthly basis than any doctor elsewhere! They are normally not military doctors, but those who contract their services to the government.

Have a great day!

[CA_ARNG_LT]

If Marine OCS is as strict as Army OCS you will be dq if you have a heart murmur. Take it in stride though and have your civilian doc check you out. It could definitely have been the doctors mistake. Second opinions can always help in the consultation you will receive if you find out they beleive you have a murmur. Unfortunately the military is becoming more and more strict on who they will accept for medical issues. Track stars and olympians have heart murmurs. Dont give up on the opportunity. Where there is a will there is a way, right? Good Luck in OCS. Being a leader in the Armed forces has been the best experience of my life. Take it seriously, the world and the loved ones of your soldiers need you to.

[FireKila23]

Well I got a call from my liaison officer today and he informed me that the results from my echo cardiogram came out negative, so basically I do not have a heart murmur which is a pretty big relief. Anyway I'm continuing the process for the Marine Corps OCS and I have my PFT next Friday so that shouldn't be too much of a problem. Thanks to all who responded, be good.
-FK23

[JHP]

Glad it is working out for you.

Good Luck,

:bounce: JHP