[Tink]

My father died of his first heart attack at age 64. My mothers brother died of one at age 44. My cousin started having heart attacks in his mid 30's and lived several years with only 20% heart function. 3 of my 4 grandparents died of heart related issues. So yes, I get it from BOTH sides of my family.

If you waste time worrying about it, you can actually make it worse. Stress produces adrenaline... adrenaline when not burned off, attacks the heart and causes more problems. There's a really good book entitled "Is it worth dying for" that one of my cardiac nurses had me read that explains the damage stress causes. It might be a good read for you.

If you're able, start going for walks every day. If you can keep yourself active and get medications for your issues, you might never have a heart attack at all. I don't know you, so have no clue what shape you're in, but if you're overweight, even dropping 10% of your excess can make a big difference. Drink plenty of water, spend time with people and projects that you enjoy... it all helps!

You now have a good reason to reprioritize and making each day a good one. Use it as a wake up call and even if you do live another 40 yrs, it won't be wasted effort because they'll be 40 GREAT years.

PS I have hypothyroid, diabetes, arthritis, allergies, hypertension, hypercholesterol, and coronary artery disease. So you're NOT alone... it really is all in how you choose to approach it how well you'll be able to do.