can an aquired aortic stenosis then become congenital in the next generations?

Question

i recently obtained my mother and maternal grand mother's death certificate ... my grand mother died at 65 years old from aortic stenosis as a result of rhematic fever... my mother passed away at 87 years on the certificate she had aortic stenosis mentioned along with hypertension and diabetes for approx 40 years... i myself at a coartation repaired at 2 years old and have a bicuspid valve as does my daughter although her coart was more severe and she was repaired at birth...do our congenital defects have any cause/source from the previous generations although i believe gran and mums stenosis were aquired?

Answer 1

There appears to be a genetic component to your families heart disease. As well, I note that the disease is prevalent in the females in your family.

When your grandmother died at 65, consider that her symptoms were probably misinterpreted and/or ignored relative to heart disease!
Right now, women's symptoms may be ignored, or dismissed as hormonal, anxiety, or whatever prevailing stereotype.

Women presenting with symptoms of heart disease are often misdiagnosed! As well, women, tend to ignore and/or misinterpret, and sometimes become 'used to' the symptoms of heart disease. As a result, women's heart disease is progressed and may be harder to treat for a good outcome.

As women, we are so used to taking care of others, we neglect ourselves.

You state that your mother passed away at 87 and 'the certificate' mentioned AS, hypertension, an diabetes. Sounds like she had an autopsy performed for that kind of information.

For you and your daughter, a cardiologist should be part of your medical portfolio.
As with your primary care physician, and your OB-GYN, you should have the same relationship with a cardiologist!

Learn to interpret what your body and your heart is telling you.
Know the symptoms that are common to your family. Know the symptoms of a heart attack. Arm yourself with information.

Do not ignore symptoms! Take the time to take care of yourself!

Watch out for diabetes and hypertension which contribute to valvular disease! If you have these diseases CONTROL THEM!

Adrienne Zurub
http://www.adriennezurub.typepad.com

Answer 2

I am sorry to hear about your family acquired and heritageable diseases. All I see females are more prone to the the above diseases but they have completed their normal life span.
However Rheumatic fever is not hereditary.
This is all at my end.

Answer 3

Sound genetic...although the other factors may have played a part...what does the doctor say?

Answer 4

Acquired characteristics cannot ever become congenital. This has been proven time and again.