Should I have my children tested?

[Obayan]

Hi.  I have a really bad gene pool to dip into.  I have hypercholesterolemia, hypothyroidism, congestive heart disease with unstable angina, coronary artery disease, fibromyalgia, erythromelalgia, intracranial atherosclerotic disease, post traumatic stress disorder, chronic severe depression with suicidal tendencies, sleep apnea, diabeties, gerd and ibs.  I'm a 50 year old female.  My question is, should I have my daughter and grandchildren tested for any of these disorders/diseases just on the basis of me having it?  Is there something in this list that I could have passed on to them?

[specialmom]

Hi, well you can do the blood work to see if the children were BORN with high cholesterol which does happen.  This is a risk factor for heart disease and can lead to heart attack.  That one you can test for.  OR you can begin the children on a low cholesterol diet that will benefit them and they take through life.

There are MANY symptoms of hypothyroidism and congestive heart failure early on.  I personally have hypothryoidism and can tell you first hand that symptoms are present that you notice.  Congestive heart failure as well has destinctive symptoms.  BUT, it is also a disease that many develop over time.  To the best of my knowledge, there is not a genetic test to see if a child will actually develop it.  Instead, one notes it is in their family history and try to do what they can to set a child up with a lifestyle to make it less likely that any lifestyle factors contribute to it.  

We have depression in our family on my husband's side.  Mental health issues can run in families.  I don't know if my kids will develop mental health issues  but as their mother , I just look for symptoms to appear.  Then you treat it.  That is the normal course of action.

Many of the issues you speak of are not childhood issues but rather things that are more middle age and late age.  

Diabetes, for example, I assume you are talking about type 2.  That is directly related to weight.  Many older folks get it as they age because they become more sedentary and pick up weight.  Kids that are obese also can get type 2 diabetes.  So, as a parent, I'd make sure my kids eat a healthy diet, get plenty of exercise, maintain a good weight and not worry about it.  Then hopefully they will continue that lifestyle themselves as adults and not develop type 2 diabetes.  Type 1 diabetes is different.  That has a childhood onset as well but does have a destinctive set of symptoms that come along with it.  

So, I guess  my point is that awareness is wonderful but testing a child for coronary artery disease seems pointless as they probably won't have it as a child and the test is meaningless for when they are older and more likley to develop it.  Beyond cholesterol testing, heart disease usually happens over time unless there is a heart defect at birth.  

A more prudent and productive option is to create a healthful lifestyle for the kids now.  good luck

[Obayan]

Actually, hypercholesterolemia, hypothyroidism, congestive heart disease with unstable angina and coronary artery disease don't have any symptoms until you have your first heart attack.  And the thyroid quite frequently gets overlooked even then.  

[specialmom]

Hi there.  Many of these issues show themselves over time.  We diagnose some things also by symptoms such as depression.  Can't really test for that before symptoms arise.  PTSD is under the anxiety umbrella but typically has an event attached to it that caused the trauma.  However, anxiety is a component of that and this is a chemical imbalance that someone could have. However, again, someone must present with symptoms to be screened for it.   Yes, these mental health issues and the others do run in families.  Doesn't mean that every person born into a family will have them by any means.

I think a good way of thinking about this if we are talking about children is to be watchful of them.  If they show signs of these medical conditions surfacing----  be prepared.  Know when to act and get them help to intervene.  AND, most importantly, help set them up for a life time to combat them.  

Example, if heart issues run in your famiily-----  make sure the kids lead active lifestyles with plenty of exercise, make sure they maintain a good weight and good eating habits.  Make that a family affair-----  healthy balanced dinner, family bike ride after.  A low cholesterol diet is helpful.  Watching sugar, etc.  No soda pop, low on sugary sweets, processed food, etc.  

good luck.  Most families these days have members with many health issues in their background.  

[margypops]

I do know some are genetic or so they say, diabetes . thyroid,possible also some of the others , I think you will really have to do some research on each individual issue.This is a question for your Doctor I am sure he will advise you.Good luck .