Genetic factors and chads vasc

[jan-ran]

I have often wondered why familial incidence of a fib has not been included in the list of risk factors on the chads vasc score sheet . It must surely rate as one of the highest risk factors if one has relatives, especially parents, with a fib. Anyone know the answer? JanR

[Beancounter Volunteer]

Hi Jan

I don't know the answer, but my guess would be that the genetic factors are for the likelihood of getting AF, not the likelihood of having a stroke which CHADSVACS measures.

Not sure that being genetically predisposed to AF (and the jury is still out on that I think, but looking very likely) actually changes your risk of stroke.

I've always wondered why it does not included other stroke risks, for example smoking..

Be well

Ian

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Beancounter]

Ian I think you are right there. The stroke risk only appears if you have AF. CHADSVASC does not come into play till you are diagnosed with AF and does not apply to those without it. Familial connection to AF only increases your likely hood of getting AF in other words. It may be that in time a score may be added for family members who had a STROKE as this may influence choices for taking anti-coagulants but i guess it is important not to make the system too complicated or nobody will understand it.

In years to come maybe genetic screening will be able to indicate the likely-hood of many conditions and illnesses at birth but we have already passed 1984 so do I want it? Probably not.

Bob

[Hidden]

Well, my cousin has AF and he had a series of TIAs at my age, which is the main reason why I asked to go on warfarin... Didn't want to take any chances with a genetic predisposition!

Lis

[jennydog]

Perhaps it's because we are the first generation who have a positive diagnosis of AF. I know that an aunt had a cardioversion years ago and 2 of my cousins have AF. My brother says that he has "an irregular heartbeat."

I have looked at my forebears. My father had 4 bachelor uncles who died in the 1920s. They were farmers and led uneventful lives but according to their gravestones they all died at 63 years of age. I find that very odd.

[Hidden]

Being a livestock farmer and having bred thousands, I'd say everything is genetic to a large extent. Also found the same in our human family.

[GivEmkeL]

Can't speak on behalf of the others, and I'm definitely not a medical professional. But, I can't help but raise an eyebrow after being diagnosed with AF. The more I have learned since my diagnosis, the more I feel that there may be a very strong genetic predisposition on the maternal side of my family. I also think that we (our generation) are somewhat pioneers as we await for scientific research and data to help us better understand. Best wishes! - KeL

[jan-ran]

Thank you all for responding. I had overlooked the point that chads vasc measures stroke risk rather than afib risk! I m pretty sure my mum had af, and probably my gran, too. What a long way we have come since those days! JanR