Family history on mothers side of heart disease

[DJ72]

Just started getting a few pains in my chest, palpitations and sweaty palms. Wondered if it could be to do with my heart?

[Jalia]

Please do not ignore chest pains and sweating. Phone 999 and get advice. They will probably send paramedics out to assess you. Do not think you are being a nuisance.

Do let us know how you get on

[RufusScamp]

If you don't call 999, do contact your GP asap.

[Blearyeyed]

There are lots of reasons for getting symptoms like those.Although having a family history of heart disease is something that a doctor considers when you tell them all of your symptoms, you will not necessarily get heart problems yourself.

If your chest pain is severe , especially on the left side, left side arm pain or numbness, or you are breathless , dizzy or severe head pain you should call 111 or 999 if it is an emergency.

If you don't feel that the symptoms are urgent you should still contact your GP and ask for an urgent appointment tomorrow and explain to the receptionist what your symptoms are.

If they do not have an appointment you can call 111 speak to their triage , especially if you still have the symptoms, and they will arrange for you to go to the hospital out of hours department, you won't have to wait because they will ring ahead to let out of hours know you are coming.

In the meantime , try and think of reasons that could be causing the symptoms.

Have you eaten anything or taken any supplements or OTC medication that you might be intolerant of ?

Have you had any digestive problems?

Have you been under a lot of physical or mental stress or been overactive ( a lot of exercise or a very busy day) or overexcited ?

Could you be coming down with an infection or are you just getting over one?

Have you had enough to drink today , or have you eaten a lot of sugar or salt?

While you wait and decide , try and get a cool drink of water and sip it regularly.

Lie on your bed with your head and shoulders comfortably raised on pillows.

Make sure the room is not too hot or too cold.

Turn off your lights , TV and devices.

Now close your eyes and do some deep breathing , drink some water every now and then.

This should help with your symptoms while you decide whether to go to the GP or choose to go to the hospital.

[Gigi70]

of course it’s highly likely your heart. You don’t give your age or gender ?

I began to get symptoms even before my mother died after her 5th heart attack. I was early 40’sin my 50s I was finally diagnosed with angina but had blood pressure problems and high LDL pist menopause.

If like me it’s your mothers side - if you are female you are highly likely to have Heart trouble too. I have a brother who will have most of his genes from my fathers side where there is zero history of heart trouble.

Sas the earlier writer I think you should go to A&E and get checked out asap.

Let us know?

Michèle

[DJ72 in reply to Gigi70]

Thank you Michele. I am female and now 53 years old. I lost my mother last year sadly (to something else in the end) and I know my grandmother on my mothers side had angina. The symptoms are mild but I have become concerned that this might be the start of an issue with my heart. I’ve never had it checked before and will take all the advice everybody has kindly offered. I’ve phoned my GP and waiting for a call back, to see if I can get a checkup either with them or if the wait is too long, maybe go privately. Not sure if I should go to A & E as it goes off within a few minutes and in between I feel ok. Occasional pains in my arms, mostly left but sometimes right. Hopefully I’ll get an appointment soon. Thank you to all of you that’s taken the time to reply.

[TasteLessFood4Life in reply to DJ72]

hi

Dont be afraid to go to a&e. But pay close attention to your symptoms and see what aggravate these. Is at rest or exertion? What kind of pain is it? Location? Apart from chest pain - any other symptoms?

Finally - whats your overall health like? Recent bloods, bmi, might provide a clue. I have been to a&e several times before on the recommendation of my Dr/GP, but i have CVD. Each time, it has been false alarm but even the professionals dont wanna take any risk in these circumstances.

Good luck and hope you get well soon.

[cabgpatch in reply to Gigi70]

Hi Michèle

It doesn't necessarily follow that genetic cardiac problems follow gender, unfortunately. There is a history of cardiac issues on my mum's side, but I still ended up having to have a CABGx3 due to severe stenosis. I hope your brother has had his cholesterol checked out anyway.

Paul

[Gigi70 in reply to cabgpatch]

He’s very low ldl but does have a bit of bp and gout?

[cabgpatch in reply to Gigi70]

Low LDL is good since it appears that hypercholesterolemia may be part of the family history. However, high blood pressure and gout are also potential cardiac risk factors. Since you know what his cholesterol levels are, I assume he is under at least some level of medical supervision. If that's the case, he should be getting the blood pressure and gout addressed by the GP, which will reduce any cardiac risk.

Hope that helps.

Paul