Sudden Cardiac Death HELP

Hi,
I have posted before as I have a history of supposed benign PVC's.  Anyway I have a  question.  My brother who was 54 died of a massive MI in 2006, he had schizophrenia, overweight, smoker, drinker, lots of problems.  Then I just found out that my dad's sisters son dropped deat @ age 49 for Massive MI, he was a heavy smoker and never went to the MD.   My cardio knows about my brother, but not about my other relative, as I just found out.  My parents are both alive and my aunt is still alive, and was a heavy smoker.  Should I be freaked out or what should I do.  Now I think there is some type of gene that did this.  I hope I am not next.  I do not smoke, quit 10 years ago, quit drinking about 6 mos ago, but have been ill with EBV and thryoid issues.  I do have a son that is 30, should I be concernced for him.  He does not drink, smoke, exercises regularly.
Thanks for any info.

[sueinns]

I am sorry to hear about your brother.  MI's are usually related to coronary artery disease (CAD).  Arrhythmia is a different condition and the diagnosis of benign PVC's means that they are not dangerous and not related in any way to CAD.  The most common symptoms of CAD are angina and shortness of breath on exertion.  You can get an elevated heart rate (probably from your heart needing to work harder) but not necessarily an arrhythmia.  

That being said, because of your family history, you need a full cardiac workup.  Being a heavy smoker and over-weight could have been the contributing factors in your brother's and cousin's deaths but it is important to know if there is a genetic factor.  With both of your parents being alive and you taking a proactive approach to your health, you have a lot of positives going for you.  However, you won't have peace of mind until you know for sure so please schedule an appointment with your doctor.

[mary56]

I had an echo done last year and it was normal and a holter last November and it was normal except I had a racing heart, but my thyroid was going crazy and I also had my carotids checked and they said they were fine.  I do not go back to the Cardio until August, but I will see my internist in 2 weeks and see what she says.
Thanks

[srm6598]

Sounds like you are doing all of the right things.  When they were first diagnosing my Mitral Regurgitation they checked me for thyroid because they said it could cause my freaky heartbeats so maybe that is what is causing your racing heart.

All of the professionals shout about prevention and it sounds like your doing a very good job of taking care of yourself.... keep up the good work! Your internist will shed some light for you for sure.

[mary56]

Thyroid is tricky and mine is a little off.
Thanks for the kind words.

[Sammie4258]

Hi, I lost a brother at 42 of a sudden heart attack,  My dad's dad died at 48 and his brother at 42 also. We just found out that it is a rare genetic, very dangerous heart condition called LQTS ( Long QT Interval syndrome. It is a sudden death syndrome.   It kills family members under the age of 50. A six year old can die of it.   It is very treatable.  It should show up on an EKG>   There is a Dr. in SLC, Utah by the name of Li Zhang whou is  one of the top 10 specialists in the world in this area.  Yu need to have this checked out.  Every member of your family,including aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters, cousins, grandchildren, greatgrnd children, neices and nephews.  
We had to do the same in our family.  Nine out of 34 of us tested positive.  We just saved so many lives by doing the testing.  This is a must if there is sudden death in your family.  Remember, it is very treatable with a simple beta blocker.   Please ask your doctor about it.  
any question, please ask.  
sammie

[mary56]

Hi,
Sorry about your brother, too. I have ekgs done and they seem to be fine.  Is that the way they rule it out, by ekg, only?  I will ask my MD about it.
Thanks for  your help
Mary

[Sammie4258]

Yes, it is ruled out by 3 tests.  #1  Strt with EKG   #2   you need a 12 lead stress test.  #3 a blood test for genetic confirmation.  
anytime there is sudden death that runs in families, this must be checked out.  If your doctor doesn't persue it, then get someone who will.  Be pesisitent and don't back down.  
good luck
sammie

[mary56]

I put a call into my cardio, if not I see my regular MD next week.
Thanks for the ino.
Mary