Age 19, two pregnancies with preeclampsia (but no other complications and normal deliveries) during which she gained a hundred pounds (now 100 overweight), father had first heart attack at 32 and a bypass at 38 (but was overweight and a heavy smoker), grandmother died of a massive heart failure at 44, grandfather had heart attack and bypass at 55; she is exposed to second hand smoke, but always has good BP's (110/60, avg.). Her pulse tends to run a little fast, but otherwise good. She's under extreme stress and complaining of chest and neck "pressure" (like a choking sensation); I think it's just stress, but want second opinions. Her primary care doctor agrees, but that's without any tests, just basic checkups. Opinions? Thanks!
Heart Diseases - 7 Answers
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1 :
Probably is stress ,but it is stress that causes the heart attack in the first place so get checked out with that history.
2 :
"Just stress"? Stress is a major risk factor with that personal and family history. She's a time bomb and needs to be permanently followed by a specialist.
3 :
Yeah, it could be the stress of worrying about it, along with anything else that's stressing her out in her life. I remember my doctor telling me once how anxiety/stress problems most commonly show up as neck pains first. Although stress can lead to heart problems in the future. She should probably start eating right and exercising too, obesity is also opening the door to heart problems! I have heart problems in my family as well, stroke, heart attack, along with other things. I had one child and gained 85 lbs, I know where she's coming from! But, I started exercising and making healthier food choices about three months ago and now the weight is starting to come off. If she needs some encouragement tell her to email me!
4 :
yeah, she is absolutely at risk for heart disease. especially being over weight and having a family history of heart disease. she needs to work on losing some weight. just exercise, watch portion sizes, cut down on junk food and soda, drink lots of water. i am in the middle of losing weight.
5 :
The chances are increased for 2 of the reasons you stated. 1) the person's father had problems's at a VERY young age. That would tell me she has the genetics for problems. 2) being overweight is a factor that can lead to Heart problems, diabetes, stroke, etc.. Seeing that the BP is good, stress sounds like the most logical reason for the increased HR and neck & chest pressure. The best thing this person has going for her is her age. Because she is young she has not yet formed long term bad habits. The best thing she and anyone can do for themselves is diet and exercise. Not a FAD or crash diet. Just a normal long term eat fruits and veggies and limit the junk food. It is the best thing for her and her kids to come. Her habits will mold theirs. As far a exercise there is no need for going crazy at a gym or running a marathon. Just walk 3-5 times a week for 20-30 mins. That will be a great experience for the mom and kids. My dad had some chest pressure and they did all the tests in the world. He and my mom would go walking for exercise after breakfast or dinner. It turns out that for some reason he has the problem only when he walks shortly after eating. No he does it before or long after and he has been fine.
6 :
I'll keep this short and just give you the main points. First of all with her weight I would want to test for type 2 diabetes. Also what was birth weight of babies? If either were about 9 lbs or greater that also increases her Chance of getting diabetes. Then you add the First degree Relatives suffering cardiovascular problems so early in life means you have a very Strong genetic link to having heart disease yourself. I know she is only 19, but with all her Risk factors she should have her bad cholesterol (LDL) under 100! We also are finding new evidence in current studies that show cardiovascular benefits are ever better when LDL is under 70. Also blood Pressure is very important. Her blood pressure should be as close as possible to 115/75. If her BP is above 140/90 then She has added risk of heart disease. If diabetes, BP, and Cholesterol aren't controlled than many years could be taken from her life.
7 :
It looks like she needs a thorough examination. I'm not an MD, but I'm a researcher in the cardiovascular area, and I find this a bit worrying. She should lose weight urgently, and have herself tested for, among others, pulmonary hypertension. Does she have wheezing and shortness of breath? To be honest, given her ancestry, she really needs to lose weight and eat healthy and do all she can to avoid stressing her heart.
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