CHD

[Dawn21]

My Mum died 11 days ago from CHD, My Dad had a triple heart bypass, 6 and half years ago. And sadly died 8 weeks later, CHD was one of the cause. What are the chances of me developing this?

[Chappychap]

Genetics is a powerful influencer of heart disease outcomes. But in almost every cause it's an influencer rather than the absolute determinant. In the great majority of cases heart disease isn't like, say, Huntington's Disease, where a genetic marker is a cast iron predictor of your fate. You may have a genetic disposition towards heart disease, but life style and medication can still massively modify the result.

Good evidence of this is that there are certain cultures, where people share virtually identical DNA to our own but have life styles and diets that are very different, and where heart disease is extremely rare. Another good example is the way that deaths from heart attacks in the UK have virtually halved over the past forty years, yes there have been important medical advances, but the most significant factor is probably the huge decline in smoking.

Bottom line is you musn't feel that you're doomed to experience the same fate as your parents, the real lesson is to make sure that you live a healthier life than they lived.

Good luck!

[Pollypuss in reply to Chappychap]

Yes I quite agree about genetics in certain circumstances. Both my husband and myself have families that died primarily of heart disease but his heart at 94 is healthy. Both his parents died of CHD also his brother and sister. I however had a bypass aged aged 77. My parents both died at 70 of CHD and my brother . But there is an outstanding factor here . My husband never smoked . All the people I have mentioned did. I smoked 45 years ago and although I gave up all those years ago and was active and healthy I was told that was still a contributory factor in needing a bypass. I see really young kids smoking with horror. Why then is it certain that both heart disease and lung cancer are now known contributory factors in some people who smoke . Whether CHD is inherited or not ..The fact that these “coffin nails” are still on sale defeats me. Smoking should have been banned years ago.

[MONIREN]

Sorry to hear about your loss, it's never easy to lose family. You inherit a weakness not the disease. I tried to avoid following in my genetic line of disease and ended up with heart disease, something my family hadn't had. Now my children are doing all they can, not to follow in my footsteps. Allow yourself time to grieve, gather up as many beautiful memories, things that brought you joy. You can't climb a mountain in one step, just one step at a time. Take care. Moni

[Dawn21 in reply to MONIREN]

Thank you so much for your kind words. Dx

[Dawn21]

Thank you. I don’t smoke, or drink. I keep myself fit. I take on board all the kind advice I’ve been given. Dx

[Milkfairy Heart Star]

Hello Dawn,

I am sorry for your loss.

You have had some good practical advice about heart disease already.

There is a very good book written by Prof Angela Maas, a Cardiologist with a special interest in treating women heart patients.

One of the other forum members recommended the book.

' A Woman's Heart'

The book explains heart disease and how it effects women differently.

It's a book you may find helpful.

[Letsallhope1]

Dear Dawn,My heart goes to you and how you may feel now.

Not only I’ve lost both my parents very suddenly only a few months apart too but I’m a mother myself and I’ve got CHD, which means I constantly worry about my daughter future (she’s only 16yo)

Grief is something you’ll have to cope 1 day at the time and can’t really give much advice on but as you’re a child of a CHD patient, I was wondering if you have ever had a proper cardiac checkup (ecg and echocardiogram) when you were a baby or a child to rule out any defects.

If you haven’t yet maybe it is the time to check on all that.

It is great that you’re aware of the importance of a good diet and fitness to prevent heart disease to happen.

Take care of yourself please, a happy heart is a healthy heart. ❤️

[ClaydonAR]

Dear Dawn,

I am sorry for your loss.

I see that you have already gotten a lot of good and sensible responses.

Just a little bit to add to it. If both your parents have had CHD then the likelihood of you having it is quite high. Especially, if they died from that CHD before the age of 50. Unfortunately, the genetics will cause to have hypercholesterolemia, which will then cause the plaques in the arteries leading to CHD. From what I read, you have well control over the modifiable factors (I.e., smoking, drinking, eating habits and exercising).

I am a 35 year old male and had a Heart attack at the age of 33 which ended up with me needing Quintuple Bypass Graft surgery. That was a shock and I am still recovering from it. This was because both my parents had CHD. My father died from a HA at 47 and my mother had Triple Bypass at 53 (not under 50 years but close enough). I am from a medical profession and knew the risk, therefore, I tried to keep on top of things. Had regular checkups, did not smoke, drank socially (not often), had home cooked food but it still got me. This may not be the case with everyone and I am in no way trying to scare you but I would suggest that if you are concerned, get on top of things. Speak to your GP, get yourself assessed and also possibly start some prophylactic medications.

May be, even speaking to a BHF nurse would be a good option. I hope that you find your answers and I also hope that no one has to go through with what I did.

Best of luck and take care.

[Prada47]

When I asked a Cardiologist the same question he replied " In my opinion CHD is that common it just looks like it's herediatry especially in the over 45s ". You don't mention your parents age which could be a major factor. Some heart related problems are genetic and can be diagnosed before they go on to cause problems later in life.

Regards

[Dawn21 in reply to Prada47]

Thank you so much. Glad to hear you’re ok. My Dad had a heart attack at 60, then really was fine until his 70’s, had quadruple heart bypass at 78 and sadly died 8 weeks later. My Mum died at 80, having been diagnosed with heart failure 2/3 years ago. Was diabetic. But too be fair didn’t look after herself as she should have.

I don’t drink, don’t smoke. Eat the odd takeout🙄. Not overweight. I think it’s something I do need to discuss with my GP. Take care. Dx

[peterjones105]

I agree with all te above comments re lifestyle of which a healthy one can really drop your odds immensely of a cardiac event, what a healthy lifestyle won't do of course is to immunise you against cardiovascular issues but just in case you should be so unfortunate you won't be anything like as compromised than if you had done all the wrong things, very good luck xx