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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Brother diagnosed with Ventricular Tachycardia
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Brother diagnosed with Ventricular Tachycardia
by Denise A-M, Oct 25, 1999 12:00AM
My 59 year old brother was admitted to the hospital in cardiac distress. For over 20 years its been assumed he has White Syndrome. I know when he was a young man the doctor said that he had a heart murmor. Further testing showed that he actually has Ventricular Tachycardia. We were told that this is hereditary. My question is who should be tested in the family? I have three children (all 12 and under). What additional information, if any, should I ask him to obtain that should be passed on to our pediatrition and my own personal physician. I know that all three of my brother's children are being tested. Also, if my children are tested, what would be involved and is it very invasive. In my case, the only sympton I would question is that when I was about 11 -13 years old, I used to pass out in church, I don't know why. I also have had a few fainting episodes since then which I always assumed happened from rising too quickly. I am a 45 year old female. Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC, Oct 25, 1999 12:00AM
It depends of what the cause of the VT was. If it was Long QT syndrome then an EKG is the only testing required. If it was hypertrophic cardiolyopathy or right ventricular dysplasia then echo or MRI is necessary. In any case your family probably should be checked out. Your brother's doctor can give recommendations where to go and who to see. Best wishes.
