Arterial Sclerosis/Family History

[dmbe70]

I had written before about having supraventricular tachycardia and the harmless pvc/pac's.  My 56 year old aunt just had a heart attack this past weekend, at which time I was told that she had arterial sclerosis (she had a clot apparently, though survived).  I was then told my dad has it also (though I never knew) and my grandmother died in 1988 as a result of it.  I am not generally an anxious person, but I thought it important enough to ask for some information.
I know nothing about this, so here goes.

Quite obviously, there is a family connection.  

1.Should I be concerned, at 36/f/140 lbs?
2.Do the supraventricular tachycardia and pvc/pac combinations have anything at all to do with this, or can it be a precursor?
3.Is it something that my cardiologist needs to know?  I never knew about it, so I didn't add it to my history.
Would it really cause her to do any different testing, or should I just leave it alone for now?  I don't want to bother if it is not a real pressing issue.

My dad had his carotid artery scraped a few years ago, as he had a significant blockage and had a stroke.  My aunt apparently had symptoms for quite some time and never acted on them.  My grandmother also had a stroke.  They, however, ALL smoked and led somewhat unhealthy lives.  I do not smoke, my bp is consistenly 116/70 (appx) and I have had a healthy heart work up, aside from the supra vt and the irregular beats.
Your thoughts are appreciated.
Thank you again...
Danielle

[Janet M.]

My mom died from arterial sclerosis when a blood clot went to her heart.  Both her brothers died of this condition as well.  I am a 51 year old female and recently started having severe heart palpitations.  I have hypertension that is under control and I never smoked as did my mom.  I am going through menopause and one doctor tells me its hormones and another tells me I have anxiety.  I had a nuclear stress test and a regular stress echo and they both came back normal.  I had children late in life and I don't know where to go to get help for these episodes of heart pounding palpitations I am getting. I have been going from doctor to doctor and getting no answers. I just want to feel good again so I can concentrate on taking care of my family and not worrying what is happening to me.  One doctor recently gave me ativan to take when needed, but I seem to need it everyday.  I don't like taking medications and having to take care of 3 small children, but I don't know what else to do.  One doctor told me it could be my stomach.  Does that make any sense, or could these palpitations mean that I may be developing arterial sclerosis or heart problems.

[Fran71]

My grandfather died of AMI when he was 65 years old. When my Dad was the same age he had an AMI himself, but thanks to the great advances of cardiology he was saved, he only required thrombolysis and stenting, no bypass graft. I too am concerned for myself and my brother when we approach that critical age...My cardio said that women are protected by hormones until they reach menopause. I try to exercise regularly - though I'm not always as good as I should be - I don't smoke, my cholesterol is OK...

I was very interested in the doctor's reply. Seemslike there's nothing else we can do. Let's just hope for the best! As I understand it, it doesn't only take 1 single gene, as different genes are responsible for predisposition to CAD.

Fran

[Cleveland Clinic]

dmbe,

thanks for the post.

1.Should I be concerned, at 36/f/140 lbs?

I think everyone should be concerned with their overall cardiovascular health. However, for someone your age without symptoms, really means to be in a preventive mode...exercise, risk factor control (monitoring cholesterol, blood pressure) and smoking abstinence. This wil have the greatest effect on your overall health.

2.Do the supraventricular tachycardia and pvc/pac combinations have anything at all to do with this, or can it be a precursor?

These are not realated.

3.Is it something that my cardiologist needs to know? I never knew about it, so I didn't add it to my history.

Yes, he/she should be aware of any significant family history. While an aunt does give some relevance, more important would be your parents or brother and sisters cardiovascular history.

Would it really cause her to do any different testing, or should I just leave it alone for now?

Its not something to call her at 3 am for. I would just discuss it at your next followup. Other than looking at your risk profile (ie...cholesterol) there would be no other testing.



good luck!