Cause of death

[melsibob]

I have received a copy of a death certificate from1918 that gives the cause of death as 1) Senile Heart 2) Cerebal Haemorrhage Coma - Is this what I would know as a "stroke"? Does Senile heart simply refer to age - this relates to my great, great grandmother who was 80 at the time of her death.

[michaelpipe]

You are correct in that Senile Heart (used more commonly from late 1800's) refers to an old heart when there is no other significant sign of heart disease. Cereb(r)al Haemorrhage is Stroke.

Michael

[melsibob]

thanks - its a bit worrying though becuase "stroke" appears to be a regular cause of death in my family. If that doesn't get me senile decay will!

[MarkJ]

Vascular conditions, such as CVA (strokes) and MI (heart attacks) often have a genetic link. In my family, heart attacks are the main cause of death. It has been identified that we have a genetic high cholesterol problem - for which we are now all monitored. A bit late for me, as I have already had heart problems, but hopefully it will help my children.
It may be worth speaking to your GP about having your blood pressure and cholesterol levels monitored and how to reduce your risks.

Mark

[melsibob]

Normally that's the sort of thing I would think I ought to do - but never get round to it - but I have put it in my electronic diary to ring the GP on Monday and get myself checked out - thanks for the reminder:)

[John Nicholas]

Courage, Melsibob! Your gr gr grandma was 80 and we all have to die of something!
John

[MarkJ]

Of course, any genetic inheritance gets diluted as we marry into different families and so you may well be free of any possible problems :) My sister doesn't have the high cholesterol problems that I have for example (but then, she doesn't have my good looks either ;) )

Mark

[melsibob]

Good point Mark I have three brothers where genetics also failed them both in terms of good looks and intelligence - its just the luck of the draw!;) Seriously though my dad died of a heart attack and my mother had a stroke prior to her death - so I think the odds are stacked against me - particularly as history is evidencing these were not isolated incidents. Anybody know a good diet and exercise routine?:D