My dad just passed away on Monday...massive heart attack. He would have been 43 this Wednesday. A couple of years ago, his brother passed away of a massive heart attack at the age of 39. Thier mom passed away of a massive heart attack when she was 42. My uncle went to the doctor the day before he died. The doctors told him they couldn't find anything, and sent him home. The next morning, he had a heart attack and died. According to the doctors, there is no disease, or anything. I'm wondering if it's a sure thing that in like 18 years I will die of a heart attack. How likely is that to happen? Also, my brother is 21, and is already having, not "problems", but issues with his heart. Do you think this is the definate way we will both go???? Just curious to know your opinions, since doctors don't seem to have any... Thank you!
2007-06-04 05:23:49 · 4 answers · asked by Sarah 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Heart Diseases
This is a very rare type of hereditary trait where both the parents have acute massive myocardial infarct before reaching the age of 45 years.
I am sorry to say that both of you are at high risk.
Please consult your cardiologist for evaluation, and preventive management please.
2007-06-04 05:38:09 · answer #1 · answered by Dr.Qutub 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yours are excellent and highly relevant questions. I'm glad you are asking them now, and I hope you now have the ammunition to get some answers. It's a shame that your father had to die for you to get this much more information, but now that he has, I hope you can find out more.
The heart problems appear to be cropping up on your father's side of the family, so there's a scary family history, but you still have your mother's genetics, too, so nothing's for sure.
I would work hard to understand *exactly* what caused your father's heart attack. Was there coronary artery disease after all? Was there one particular coronary artery that was too narrow or blocked in some way? Was he suffering from undiagnosed cardiomyopathy? Arrhythmia (electrical problems)? Ask all of these questions of the pathologist who does/did his autopsy, if you possibly can. These are important pieces of information to be able to convey to your cardiologists about your family history. If possible, obtain a copy of his medical records, as well.
As to your brother, try to help him with his detective work. Has he worn a 30-day halter monitor to capture episodes where he is not feeling well? Has he had an echocardiogram? Are his doctors aware that your father died this week of a similar sounding undiagnosed condition? Have they received a copy of the pathologist's report? Make up a list of questions and give them to your brother's doctor(s) in advance. If they won't go through them with you and answer all questions to your satisfaction, find another doctor, preferably a cardiologist who specializes in familial heart problems and sudden death.
Sudden death is becoming less and less common now, primarily because of the advent of echocardiography in the diagnosis of cardiomyopathy and angiograms to catch coronary artery disease. With your family history, you and your brother should be well-armed to fight this problem. But don't just rely on the doctors to take care of it. You have to be your own best advocate.
Please feel free to contact me if you want to chat further. I'm happy to help wherever I can.
2007-06-04 07:38:54 · answer #2 · answered by Mark M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You would have a high risk of heart disease. Instead of going to a regular family doctor, go to a cardiologist and discuss risks, testing, and ways to avoid early heart problems.
2007-06-04 05:27:46 · answer #3 · answered by dana_osmundson 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Dana. Start NOW with specialists, good diet, exercise, medication if necessary. Have regular visits with specialists. Most look at family history as a propensity not an absolute. So take care and I am very sorry about your father.
2007-06-04 05:33:19 · answer #4 · answered by punxy_girl 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋