St. Francis surgeon explains heart murmurs at Greenwood library

GREENWOOD, Ind. – Have you or a family member been diagnosed with a heart murmur? Are you unsure about what that means?

At an upcoming “Ask the Doc” program sponsored by the St. Francis Heart Center on Monday, April 14, cardiothoracic surgeon Marc Gerdisch, M.D., will explain why it is important to understand why heart valves may cause murmurs and when it’s time to seek treatment. Gerdisch is the medical director of Cardiac Surgery Associates in Indianapolis.

Heart murmurs are caused by valves inside the heart that don’t close properly. Sometimes, people can live with heart murmurs a long time without any symptoms. But if the problem becomes more serious, the blood flow to the heart may be affected.

Surgery, including heart valve repairs and valve replacement, can correct the condition and prevent heart failure.

The free, hour-long program starts at 6:30 p.m. at the White River Public Library 1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood.

To register, call 317-782-4422.