UK Cardiology Screening Services
What is a heart murmur? Normally when blood flows through the heart it does not make a noise and all that can be heard by a stethoscope is the closing of the heart valves. Anything that disturbs the smooth flow of blood through the heart, or any abnormal flow through the heart, can cause a hissing sound through the stethoscope called a murmur. There are many causes of a heart murmur. When the heart is very active, as in young people, ordinary blood flow can cause an innocent flow murmur. The majority of murmurs found in otherwise normal people are of this kind.
Why hasn't this been heard before? Heart murmurs come and go, so it is quite possible that your own GP has not heard yours in the past.
Have I got a serious heart problem? Not necessarily. It is impossible to tell the exact cause of a murmur just by listening to the heart that is why you have been referred for a more detailed examination using ultrasound.
What will happen to me at the screening centre? You will have an electrocardiogram (electrical tracing of your heart) and an echocardiogram (ultrasound scan of the heart). These tests are painless and do not involve any needles.
When will I be told the results of my tests? We will tell you the results of your examination at the end of the screening session. We will not however be able to tell you whether you are fit to join the Army, that is a decision for the medical officers at the Army Development and Selection centre
What happens after the appointment? If you are found to be medically fit for service your Army Careers Information Office will contact you with a new date for selection. If the medical decision is not to accept you for service then you will be informed by letter.