What is Heart Attack
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI or MI), commonly known as a heart attack, is a serious, sudden heart condition usually characterized by varying degrees of chest pain or discomfort...
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I'm very grateful to find this board. I have a terrible heart attack history in my family. I feel strongly that I need to do whatever I can (wake up call) to prevent this from happening to me, as I feel like it's not a matter of if, but when.
I would welcome any advise anyone has on something they did, wish they had done, or your experience with heart attacks. Messages are welcome if you would like to tell your story, I'll gladly listen. many thanks, Gina In case of any interest, here is my family history: Father's side: grandpa dropped dead at 62 of heart attack #2 uncle dropped dead at 42 aunt dropped dead at 48 aunt had first heart attack at 43, dead from 3rd at 60. uncle had one a week ago, 65 cousin had one at 36 great grandpa dropped dead at 64 great grandma dropped dead at 62 Mom: only person in the family to have one: age 52. Posted on 01/15/08, 08:01 am |
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i dont have any advice but im sorry for ur losses, and maybe just getting a good cardiologist and see every 6 months.. 
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I think there is alot to say for your benefit but the number one thing is to continue to learn about heart disease and like dinz mentioned seeing a good cardiologist every six months can and will go a long way . You never know what the survival rate will be even with the worst history ...my wifes brother died age 43 sister 48 and mom 50 she is 43 now I am 47 and had a heart attack at age 46 , 8 months ago and have no family history of MI until age 71 . Learn as much as you can and consider a very healthy lifestyle with regular visits to check things out and monitor them is all you can do . Don't worry but just pay good maintenance attention to your condition.
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By all means, be certain to take preventative measures which if I had, I am certain I would not have surrered a near fatal heart attack. if it is hereditary, I believe your doctor may have advised some cholesterol meds. Addittionally, practice a heart healthy diet, exercise and guard against stress-I am sure you do not smoke either, right!!
My best wishes for your good health. Rossi22
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Definitely get your cholesterol levels checked, and if high...get on cholesterol meds.
You definitely have the heredity factor playing against you...nothing you can do to change that. But, you can try to control your other risk factors. Like eating a low fat, low cholesterol diet, exercising, NO Smoking. Be certain to let your Family Doc KNOW of your Positive Family History of Heart Problems. He may consider doing a baseline EKG, which is a good thing to have on board, if you were to have a heart attack, so as to compare to your baseline. Be alert for any sign or symptoms of a heart attack, and GO TO THE ER...DO NOT WAIT. TIME IS MUSCLE. The faster they can get you to the Cath Lab, and open up that artery, the better you will be...less scarring to the heart. Good Luck!
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Oooo....
Just noticed you have High Blood Pressure, and were diagnosed with Diabetes...those are risk factors for Heart Disease as well. Keep an eye on yourself. Maybe give a suggestion if you should have a stress test done at some point.
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Thank you all for your helpful advice. I went to the Dr last week and discussed my family history with him. He's unfortunately had to double my blood pressure medicine, and I'm having a cholesterol test this Friday. He said if it is even the tiniest bit higher than normal, he will put me on medication.
I don't smoke and I live in London where my pedometer registers me walking 18-20 miles just Monday-Friday, so even though I complain a lot about the walking, it is a built-in blessing in disguise I think. That is also just M-F, I walk alot on the weekends as well. I eat pretty healthily because of the diabetes and I'm not on any medication for diabetes because of good diet/exercise, so at least that is something in my favor. I do need to get my stress level under control. many thanks again to all & I'll post the outcome from the cholesterol test.
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Glad you're getting that checked out Gina!
Make sure you Doc keeps up on your Diabetes too, just to make sure your sugars don't get out of control...usually they'll check HgbA1C's. Yeah, try to reduce that stress...that can be burdensome on the heart too! Good Luck!
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