Just had a quintuple bypass

[NigelW]

Three weeks ago yesterday I had five CABGs. I am 58 and have known I have high blood pressure and high Cholesterol for about 6 or 7 years but I have never had any major symptoms. I had occasional dizzy spells and odd-feeling heart beats from time to time, but earlier this year they became more frequent and I started feeling more tired than usual. My wife suggested I should see a cardiologist but I wasn't sure if it was necessary. I have never smoked, am only slightly overweight and believed I had a reasonably healthy diet. I went anyway, and after running a few tests and scans the problems with my coronary arteries were detected. I am very thankful they were and I am feeling better by the day. What mystifies me is why the system didn't pick up the problem earlier. I suspect there may be a genetic component and intend to ask my cardiologist is it is worth getting DNA tests for myself and immediate family.

[Heather1957]

Hi Nigel glad to read you are feeling better by the day long may it continue - without being pessimistic be prepared for the odd set back, that is from personal experience.

You said after a few tests and scans the problems with your arteries were detected was one of these an angiogram?

I had a heart scan which was good, sadly an angiogram showed blocked arteries and I think only an angiogram can show this.

My dad died at 52 with a heart attack and his family have a history of heart problems so I know there is a family history of this.

I am not sure what a family DNA will show but as you say asking the cardiologist may be worth it.

[Sina-6491 in reply to Heather1957]

Your dad was very young, sorry to hear that Heather.

You should be proud of how well you are doing. I am sure your dad would be.

Listen, how are you feeling now. I've been a bit busy since we last talked.

I hope you got everything sorted :))))

[NigelW in reply to Heather1957]

I was initially given an exercise test and a 48 hour ECG monitor by neither showed up any abnormality. I then had a CAT scan which showed up calcium deposits (95th percentile for my age) after which I was sent for an angiogram. Given the extent of the restrictions, surgery was recommended in preference to stents.

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi Nigel and welcome. Wow quintuple, as Heather says it's a journey now with the odd setback.

On the generic component, yes there could be, but as one of the nurses on here will probably point out, it's not an exact science. Myself, I lost mother and father and just recently sister to heart disease and suffered a heart attack followed by a quad bypass. Apparently my history qualified me for an early warning, this, however got lost in the post I'm thinking.

Is there any family history of heart disease at all? I met some lovely people at my rehab classes including a lovely lady who like you didn't smoke ever, only are white meat and that infrequently, never drank tea or coffee but she suffered a heart attack at 62.

[Sina-6491 in reply to skid112]

I am really so sorry to hear about your family members, that is so sad

The fact that you have been treated & indeed saved. I would say it's your duty to definitely live your life to the very fullest you can.

[NigelW in reply to skid112]

My mother's brother died of a heart attack aged 60 and my father had multiple strokes from the age of 65. Although he lived to 89 he was very severely disabled by the end.

[Sina-6491]

I am glad you were seen in the end. I am very glad you are improving by the day.

I am pretty sure my heart issues were missed long before I was diagnosed. I am also sure, due to my walking pretty much everywhere for mostbof my life. Thst pollution played a huge part. Especially the last couple of years before my heart attack.

Anyway, back to you, sorry.

Yes like skid112 said, rehab is grate for reassurance.

When I went to my rehab, they said we should make sure we tell our siblings & offspring to bring it to their doctor's attention.

It is noughing for blood family to worry about, but if their Gps know. Well it just means it can be added to their file, incase they do happen to have any symptoms relating to heart or lung in the future.

They would probably be sorted & taken care of, long before any of us did.

Therefore stopping any would be mild simptons exselarating into any kind of serious issues.

So yes, it should be documented. Hope this helped Jo

[Hidden]

Hi I don't have the same heart problems as yourself, it's great to here you are doing so well, my cardiologist referred me to a gene clinic, as my dad died at 62 with a heart attack, mabe you could mention it to them and they could organise it for you

[Hidden]

Hi Nigel - genetics is a huge challenge when it comes to coronary heart disease. Simply put, there are just so many genes involved (that also have other functions too) that genetic testing for the time being isn't something we carry out. You might find this article from our website interesting: bhf.org.uk/news-from-the-bh...

Sometimes, an inherited condition called familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) can be responsible, and you can read a little more about that here: bhf.org.uk/heart-health/con...

Take care,

Chris