Can You Ride Roller Coasters With a Heart Murmur

Ok so a month or so ago, my doctor told me he could hear a slight heart murmur in my chest. Am I ok to ride roller coasters at Alton Towers tomorrow?

Btw, I don't ride the big massive rides like rita, nemesis, ripsaw or oblivion cus I hate that swoopy feeling in my stomach. The only big ride I can handle is Air. Also I have a cold virus, which I believe can raise your heart rate anyway??

why is this anon - surely this is misuse of the anon feature

better advice from a doctor than on the internet

Well I can't get hold of a doctor by tomorrow. There's gotta be other heart murmur sufferers on this board who have been to theme parks?

All i know is that they usually have those signs saying don't go on this if you have any type of heart condition or are pregnant, i would steer clear if i were you.

I don't think one go on air is going to send you into cardiac arrest

I wouldn't recommend it.

When did you know you were going? Why haven't you already checked....

(I wonder if this would be an abuse of the NHS direct system?)

Thanks for all your replies guys

(Original post by Ice_Queen)
I wouldn't recommend it.

When did you know you were going? Why haven't you already checked....

(I wonder if this would be an abuse of the NHS direct system?)

I knew I was going on Monday. Tbh my heart murmur has never fazed me, but I was watching House today and a woman went into cardiac arrest, and it scared me a bit. I really don't plan on going on any super fast rides, it's just Air that bothers me. I LOVE air. I've been on it so many times before I was diagnosed, but maybe the speed of it might send my heart into overdrive?
Perhaps I should just play it safe...

(Original post by Anonymous)
Thanks for all your replies guys
I knew I was going on Monday. Tbh my heart murmur has never fazed me, but I was watching House today and a woman went into cardiac arrest, and it scared me a bit. I really don't plan on going on any super fast rides, it's just Air that bothers me. I LOVE air. I've been on it so many times before I was diagnosed, but maybe the speed of it might send my heart into overdrive?
Perhaps I should just play it safe...

Its not what you really should do as it is kinda abuse of the system, but ring NHS direct then youll know either way

http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/zone.asp...neService_Zone

Thanks very much I'll ring them in the morning. Who is at the other end of the line? A nurse?

(Original post by Anonymous)
Thanks very much I'll ring them in the morning. Who is at the other end of the line? A nurse?

I think so but im not sure

(Original post by Anonymous)
Thanks very much I'll ring them in the morning. Who is at the other end of the line? A nurse?

Yea you talk to someone first (not sure who) and they take all of your details and puts you in the triage que, and then a nurse rings you back.

I'm of the opinion that if it didn't do it before, then it won't do it now BUT that is very, very probably crap advice and I wouldn't take it if I was you!

(Original post by Anonymous)
Thanks for all your replies guys

The murmur was probably there before and didn't cause you any problems, so I would guess it's unlikely to do so now. I also think it's extremely unlikely NHS Direct will be able to help you. If I were you, I'd call your GP and ask him/her (you can leave a message if you can't speak directly to them). If you're nervous about it, then just don't do it.

lol im pretty sure youll be fine. Ive had a heart murmur since I was born (hole in my heart) and I always go on rides.

Thanks for all the advice guys! You really put me at ease. Went on pretty much all the rides (apart from nemesis and rita -im a coward lol) and didn't feel anything in my heart, hurrah. Gonna ask my GP next time just to be sure though. Thank you

NHS Direct is generally a nurse, yes. So I've been led to believe anyway..

Can You Ride Roller Coasters With a Heart Murmur

Source: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=873592