Heart disease

[Rolyboy1]

Thanks for the replies, my sister and I are concerned that we will suffer the same fate as no one is listening to our concerns,, we are devastated to say the least, I don't smoke and are quite healthy with a bmi of 24

[lettingoffsteam]

It's understandable that you would be concerned but focus on your grief right now.Perhaps have a word with your GP when things settle.I'm so sorry for your loss.

[francesw47]

Hello

I am sorry to hear of your loss. Its difficult to think after such devastating news.

I come from a family with an unenviable history of heart disease. My paternal grandfather died in his 50s of a heart attack, my father and his brother (grandfather's only children) both had ha in 40s. My dad was lucky and had bypass surgery and later had aortic valve replacement. Out of the blue in 2012 my brother discovered he had bicuspid valve, as did my sister and so too did I. I suspect that the valve was inherited from my father - but at the time we were not sure why he had his valve replaced.

Our wonderful NHS is not working well at the moment and our GPs are overwhelmed - so when you are feeling less distressed go and ask for necessary testing. There is nothing you can do about your genetic inheritance, but you can help it - there is a massive amount of information and support here from people who have experience and also in the information booklets from the experts.

In the meanwhile, look after yourself and be kind to yourself. As lettingoffsteam says, focus on your loss for now and later go and talk to your GP. If you are particularly worried try talking to the BHF nurses - who are both knowledgeable and supportive.

[Calliope153]

I am so sorry for your loss. With no history of heart disease in the family I had a very serious heart attack two years ago. I have 4 siblings and when the cardiologist told me I had a congenital, hereditary heart problem he also told me to tell all my first degree relations i.e my siblings. All of them went to their GPs (in three different parts of the country) and had no difficulty in getting checked out. One had an MRI scan the others had an echo. No one else had inherited the faulty valve. So allow yourself time to grieve and absorb the shock and then see your GP. My siblings told me they were very surprised at how the GPs just got things organised and how rapidly their appointments came through.

[Ianc2]

The question you need to get an answer to is 'are my arteries clear'?

[Hatchjd]

I understand the NHS are overloaded. To be tested privately in my area Glasgow

Cardiologist visit £150

Cardiac Stress Test £300

Echo £250-300

CT Angio £800

My husband paid to see a private cardiologist and had CT angio after complaining of angina type chest pain to the GP. He did have a stress EKG in the NHS and was diagnosed by symptoms as stable angina. He was started on Bisoprolol & Aspirin and increased statin.

The waiting time on the NHS for CT Angio was > 4 months.

The private CT angiogram wait time was 3 days. The results from the cardiologist in 2 days showed minimal blockage and he was able to stop the Bisoprolol and reduce the statin.

The peace of mind of knowing his heart was fine...priceless.