Many families share traditions, mannerisms, passions, and hobbies, but they don’t always know that they may share health conditions, like cardiomyopathy, too.
Three families have shared their experiences living with the condition, how they’ve navigated the diagnosis, and why they would encourage people to talk about their heart health and the symptoms of cardiomyopathy – especially where it may be something that could run #InMyFamily.
"No-one expects children to have heart conditions"
Aaliyah and her mum, Sabrina, have a lot in common. They don't just look alike, they have shared passions, including reading and music, as well as raising awareness of the symptoms of cardiomyopathy.
They had never heard of the condition when Aaliyah was diagnosed at the age of 12. Since then, both have become peer support volunteers, helping parents and other young people affected by the condition.
"Through Cardiomyopathy UK, I've learnt that the condition is more prevalent than I ever thought it was"
Matthew and his dad Alex share a love of the outdoors and travelling as a family, as well as a work ethic which Alex gained from his father. They also both have left ventricular non-compaction cardiomyopathy (LVNC).
Since their diagnosis, they talk a lot about their heart health as a family, and with Matthew's openness around his friends, they are also aware of the condition and its symptoms.
"At the end of the day, it doesn't matter what you accumulate, health is wealth, and nothing is more important than health and family"
LaRisha's family share a sense of humour and love going out for meals. They also enjoy keeping fit - her sister likes weights, her half-brothers go to the gym and LaRisha loved running.
However, last year after experiencing breathlessness, loss of appetite, dizziness and unusual swelling, LaRisha was diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy. Since then, LaRisha has encouraged her family to get tested.
Supported by a grant from Novartis
