Sorry if this is a bit long but I'm worried and would appreciate your advice especially if you have experienced similar.
My 65yr old husband had stents fitted in his arteries in 2004, due to slight chest pain while he was out running. The Cardiologist said if he had been a couch potato he wouldnt have got the warning pain and the problem would have gone unnoticed until it was too late. He is tall, slim, very active, runs for 90 mins 3 times a week plus other excercise and has done this for the last 40 years. He can't eat fatty food, doesn't drink or smoke (for 40 yrs ). Has low cholesterol, good BP, is on statins and asprin. As you can see he is doing all the right things but he had a slight heart attack this December. He had more stents inserted and all is well now, there was no damage to his heart. Both Cardiologists said the only reason for the heart attack is family history - his father died age 62 after heart attacks and strokes and lead a very unhealthy life. This is why H has always taken care of himself as he doesn't want to end up like his Dad. There is nothing that can be done for our two boys in the way of prevention except to have healthy lifestyles.
My problem is, H wont tell our 2 boys - he looks at it as a weakness (typical alpha male!!!) But I think they have a right to know so they can make adjustments to their lives if they want to, especially as they are both planning to have children. They dont smoke but do like a drink and junk food and one does shift work.
Do you think I should tell the boys and swear them to secrecy? I want them to be aware but will it worry them too much? If we kept it secret, things have a way of getting out and I would hate them to find out we had kept it from them. What if similar happened to them and we haddn't warned them. If it was my Dad, I would want to know. I think everyone should know their familys health history.
Please dont suggest persuading H to tell them, I have tried all reasoning and he is adamant. angry.
