Coronary heart disease

[Bridge1010]

Hi I lost my Mum on the 9th of this month to coronary heart disease, she was 61 and she had no idea she had it and in the days leading up to it she was working full time and even out mowing the lawn, it was was very sudden and unexpected and I’m now wondering if there’s any tests the doctors will do for me just to give me some kind of peace of mind? Has anyone experienced this? TIA

[laura_dropstitch Heart Star]

So sorry to hear that, it must have been a huge shock to lose your mum so suddenly. Some types of heart disease are hereditary and can be tested for, others not. Definitely worth asking your GP to look into it. I have heart failure and was able to talk to a geneticist about whether or not it was hereditary and have been tested for a couple of things. There's no evidence that my condition is genetic, but my parents and sister had their hearts checked (arranged through the genetic clinic) and my daughter gets her heart checked every five years. So far they've all been fine, but you are right, it is amazing for your peace of mind to know everything has been looked into properly. Good luck going forwards and lots of love x

[skid112 Heart Star]

Hi Bridge, I am sorry for your loss.

Heart disease can be hereditary, you should talk to your GP they should be able to arrange something

good luck to you

Mark

[Twobells in reply to skid112]

I was told that my children should be tested annually because there can be an heredity factor, but I think it's just mot type of test. It's like any condition if your parents or grandparents have had a condition it increases the risks for the next generation. However, I don't know the statistics of how high those risk are, but advice is ask GP for cholesterol, blood pressure. When you mention the sudden loss of your mum this should prompt your GP.

I am so sorry to hear of your loss, but many people don't know they have heart disease until it's advanced when for some symptoms start to show or a heart attack or cardiac arrest happens. I had a HA in March this year and I never felt it. The only thing was I felt dreadful really unwell in the week it happened, not that its a great comfort, but it may help if this was the case with your mum that she didn't feel it. I wish you well, but always keep in touch if you become overwhelmed with grief. The here are people on hear willing to listen. Take Care

[Saggybagpuss]

Hi, firstly I'm so sorry to hear this very sad news. Many years ago, I too lost my Dad aged 64 in a similar way. It is such a terrible shock and I'm sending my love to you.

As many have said, heart disease can be hereditary, and in my case, this has played a part in my chd journey. In my case, there was a very strong hereditary factor as all my Dad's brothers (4 of them) had differing chd and ultimately died of related illnesses. Having said all that, my brother has never had any issues with his heart. So, I think it is worth bearing in mind and definitely go and chat to your doctor who may advise a yearly 'MOT' but try not to worry too much, I believe the hereditary link can be an issue but not for all of us.

Chin up, things do get better. xxx

[MKB38]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Your Mum was younger than me! Luckily for me my GP detected a murmur back in May and they started to investigate, resulting in an Aortic Valve replacement earlier this month. I would definitely ask to be checked out. Heart disease is known as the 'Silent Killer', so if there is a problem the sooner it is detected the better the outcome. Thinking of you.

xx

[Bridge1010]

Thank you all for your kind words and advice I have booked in to see my gp, my grandad (mums dad) died of a massive heart attack (I think that’s what it was called) at the age of 64 so I think I might mention that too, I’m still trying to come to terms with it all at the minute but one thing is for sure it’s shocked me into changing my current lifestyle to reduce the risk, again thank you all for replying it’s very much appreciated

[Twobells]

One day at a time x

[MichaelJH Heart Star]

My father died of a heart attack at 65 and his father of one at 55. Apart from being put on statins (with a cholesterol of 4.2, now 3.4) because of PAD seven years ago I had no checks done until I went to the GP with angina at the start of this year. There is a blood test, Lp(a), that shows a genetic disposition to CHD but is seldom carried out - I requested one without success a few months ago. IMHO your GP should as a minimum check BP, cholesterol and arrange an ECG as proactive is better than reactive!

[Sephi]

You could ask your doctor for a check up. You could also buy a blood pressure monitor. Omron are the ones the doctors use and are easy to use at home. Don't ignore any symptoms, like slight breathlessness or 'indigestion' pains. If ever you feel anything is at all wrong see your doctor. Apart from that try to stay at your correct weight and get enough exercise. Sometimes there is nothing you can do to avoid it, and this was probably the case with your Mum. I'm sorry for your loss.