Arrhythmias

[johnnaclifton]

My mother had a stress induced heart attack after her brother committed suicide.  Is it possible for her to have another one if she is put under that kind of stress again?

[cindy707]

Like bbxx i am sorry that your family is going thru this.  Hopefully the docs did all of the right tests to make the determination that it definately was not something structural that caused this ie: an angiogram to make sure that all of her arteries are clear. The short answer to the question is that basically she is now in a higher risk group because of the first incident but hopefully those same docs have her on a blood thinner to prevent clots from popping up.  It is not the actual stress that causes the heart attack its just cause and effect.  A heart attack is caused from lack of blood flow and 02 entering the heart which causes the situation to occur.....many tests need to be done to ensure that they get a handle on what is the actual physical issue behind the heart attack.  Ask lots of questions if your mom allows you to speak to her doc because the doc cannot legally speak to you about her without her consent...help her to make llifestyle changes, get to the bottom of it to give your mom the best chance possible of this not reoccuring again...and most of all help her try to find a safe place in her heart and in her mind that the situation with her brother was a very personal and private decision that he made and has absolutely nothing to do with her...i think that is so important for survivors of those who have made that choice without the thought of everyone they leave behind....it is a very sad and tragic situation but again with having a close relative whom also chose that route i think one of the most selfish choices that can be made by anyone because no matter what we all get a new day tomorrow, things always manage to get better but i am resigned to the fact that sometimes on this earth there are some people where the load just becomes so heavy they just become tired....Godspeed to you and your family and my heart goes out to you all....maybe meeting w. other family members to get a game plan together to offer your mom hope, and laughter, and promise will help her.....the world does not stop when we lose those we love altho i know it feels like it should it doesn't so i guess thats where that saying that life is for the living comes in...

[bbxx]

I just wanted to say I am sorry for all you guys are going through. I dont think anyone can say if someone could have another heart attack. I would bet the doctors would say its possible. I am guessing they are probably giving her medication to keep her from getting too stressed though, which would reduce the chances I would say. I am not a doctor, just giving my opinion for what little its worth.