Family Risk

[soonerMRI]

My mother in law is 60 years old, smokes 1 pack a day x 40 yrs and had a triple bypass in Dec 23, 2009.  Four months later in April 2010, she had another mild heart attack which resulted in three stents in the bypasses.  Her interventional cardiologist told her she was in a rare percentage of the population whose vessels reject stents (i am sure he used more specific terms).  
Her 77 year old sister who has never smoked had 5 stents place July 2010, went home and one week later had another heart attack, dr. told her the stents had collapsed (again prob. more specific terms were used).  
    1.  Is this a hereditary vascular condition?  What exactly is it?
    2.  My husband, her son is 35 (non smoker with high stress,no symptoms,healthy weight 5'10" 180 lbs), does he need early testing for coronary artery disease?
    3.  Since learning of her sisters heart attack, she is having chest palpitations and her face is flush, should we seek medical attention?
    

[kenkeith]

I'm not sure either what is meant by vessel rejecting stents.  There are risks associated with stent implants that include allergic reaction, stent thrombosis (blood clot in the stent), death, reactions to antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications or to dyes used during placement. I quess it could be any of those reactions.

You ask can heart and blood vessel disease be inherited?

>>>>Yes. A tendency toward heart disease or fatty buildups in arteries seems to be hereditary. That means children of parents with heart and blood vessel diseases may be more likely to develop them. Also, a family history of diabetes, gout, high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol also increases the risk of heart disease.

When there is a family history of heart disease one should absolutely reduce the risks of heart disease by controling weight withn proper diet and exercise, avoid smoking, excessive alcohol, etc. Also, see a doctor regularily at a younger age to watch for any early signs of heart disease.  

Thanks for sharing, and if there any further questions you are welcome to followup.