Heart murmur (Interview with a doctor)

Edited interview by the students: Danae Theou, Dimitris Koltsidas, Pavlina Karlatira, Yannis Balamotis, Valy Areniki

1. What is the heart murmur and what tests should be done to diagnose it?The blast has to do with the heart valves. The heart has four chambers. As blood  passes through them, it is obstructed at the valve frames. If a valve cannot close securely, then the blood is moving backwards. Diagnosis is made through medical headset hearing a soft noise like a blast.

2. What impact does physical activity have in bloodstream?

Whoever exercises, in an effort to perform better, increases the pulses, which is particularly useful for proper heart function.

3. How does physical activity contribute to the proper functioning of our heart?

Our heart is a muscle. Physical activity makes it more powerful through a better operation and maintenance of heart good condition.

4. How does physical activity help prevent heart diseases?

Physical activity reduces the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and high blood pressure, thereby helping to maintain the physiological condition of the heart and blood vessels.

5. What is the best daily exercise duration?

The necessary duration of daily physical activity is 20 minutes of aerobic exercise (moderate intensity). The more you exercise, the better it is for you.

6. How often should we check the function of the heart?

At young ages, practically, it should be checked about every two years. After the age of 21, control is advised only if symptoms occur. After the age of 40, it should be checked on a more regular basis.

7. Sometimes we hear about children and young people who die during exercise. Why is that?

This is due to arrhythmia that occur in people with a predisposition due to possible inheritance.

8. Will whoever exercises regularly live longer?

In theory, they will. However, longevity depends on various factors.