Originally Posted by
leob1
Every time I go for my somewhat yearly physical, I tell the Dr about my family history of heart disease, and ask if I should have a stress test. Every time he says, no you have nothing that indicates you need one.
Pretty much every body on my father’s side has had a heart attack. One uncle had a heart transplant. My Dad had a quadruple bypass(he went for a stress test, a week later he had the bypass). And one of my male cousins had a heart attack. I am wondering if I should insist on having one.
I'm either lucky, or have a particular habit that helps.
You really should insist on it.
Three years ago my heart stopped. I died in a library. As luck would have it, there was a cardiac surgeon who happened to be in the library and he performed CPR for 12 minutes before the ambulance finally arrived and defrib me. Two stents later and a discussion with the cardiac surgeon when i finally awakened from my coma - i told him that there was a history of heart problems on my mother side of the family - every one of my uncles died of heart attacks - one at 50, which was when i had mine. he and later my family doctor both agreed i should have been tested in the past - but i did not mention any of my family history to my doctor.
if your doctor refuses to believe your family history - get a new doctor. it's only about luck if you happen to have a cardiac surgeon standing next to you when your heart stops...