Our Cardiologists
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Q:What does it mean if I have a heart murmur?
A:When the heart beats the doctor can hear heart sounds or tones. These are sounds the heart valves make as they close. The flow of blood through the valves is usually very quiet or silent. When this flow of blood makes sound a murmur is heard. Most heart murmurs are benign or not serious medical problems. Some murmurs are serious and require special evaluation by a cardiologist. The cardiologist may order a cardiac echo to evaluate the heart muscle and valves. Some murmurs will lead your doctor to recommend that antibiotics be taken before dental and other procedures to prevent infection or endocarditis.
A:When the heart beats the doctor can hear heart sounds or tones. These are sounds the heart valves make as they close. The flow of blood through the valves is usually very quiet or silent. When this flow of blood makes sound a murmur is heard. Most heart murmurs are benign or not serious medical problems. Some murmurs are serious and require special evaluation by a cardiologist. The cardiologist may order a cardiac echo to evaluate the heart muscle and valves. Some murmurs will lead your doctor to recommend that antibiotics be taken before dental and other procedures to prevent infection or endocarditis.
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Meet Our Doctors
Saint Thomas Heart was recently named by Healthgrades® as Middle Tennessee's #1 rated heart program. Our doctors are committed to providing the very best in quality medical and surgical care in a compassionate and considerate manner. They place a strong emphasis on patient education so that you are equipped with the very latest information on how to keep your heart healthy and happy.
Featured Cardiologist
Thomas A. Thompson, M.D.Williamson Medical Center
View a complete list of our physicians here.
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