In the United States, the story of the Murray family is shocking and raises questions. Five brothers, mostly apparently healthy, discover that they all suffer from serious heart disease. What allowed them to discover it? A test that is still too little known: the heart scan, taken by one of the brothers, which then influenced the others. Early detection which, most likely, saved their lives.
A brotherly intuition that has become a vital reflex
Kevin Murray, 72, knows what it means to come close to death. In 2003, this father from Tampa came close to having a fatal heart attack due to a heart disease that had gone unnoticed. He underwent emergency coronary bypass surgery. Since then, he has been monitoring his heart closely. Every year, he consults, until the day his new cardiologist offers him a more in-depth examination: a cardiac CT scan.
The exam is reassuring for him. But it triggers awareness. Kevin thinks back to his family history: parents, a grandfather, all affected by cardiovascular diseases. And above all, a brother, Patrick, 67 years old, recently tired, out of breath. Kevin insists. He convinces. Patrick finally agrees to have the scanner.
The verdict comes like a bolt from the blue: his arteries are severely blocked, with an imminent risk of a heart attack. He underwent emergency open-heart surgery. The intervention saves his life… and alerts all his siblings.
Silent illnesses, sometimes to the breaking point
In the months that followed, the other three Murray brothers took the same exam. Absolutely everyone has advanced heart disease. And all of them will have to be operated on. One of them, although sporty and without symptoms, narrowly avoided a heart attack thanks to the installation of several stents.
This story highlights a worrying reality: according to the cardiologists who followed the family, almost 80% of patients diagnosed using heart scans show no symptoms, even when the arteries are 80 or 90% blocked. The disease progresses in silence, until a sudden accident.
Cardiac scan: what is this exam really for?
Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician, recalls that coroscanner – or coronary angioscanner – is a non-invasive imaging test, which allows CT to visualize the coronary arteries with precision using an iodinated contrast product and cardiac synchronization. Using three-dimensional images, it detects strictures, atherosclerotic plaques, calcifications and vessel abnormalities, well before symptoms appear.
Unlike simple markers like cholesterol or blood pressure, the scanner allows you to see the disease itself, and not just the risk. It thus helps to concretely assess the probability of a heart attack, without having to resort to an invasive examination such as catheterization.
Who should consider a heart scan?
According to Dr. Kierzek, this test is not for everyone, but it makes sense for some people. It is particularly indicated in patients over 50 years old, even without symptoms, when there are significant risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, hypertension or especially
family history early onset of cardiovascular disease.
“It can also be prescribed in cases of atypical chest pain, or for follow-up after placement of stents or bypass surgery. On the other hand, it is contraindicated in people suffering from severe renal insufficiency or allergy to iodinated contrast material.”
The holidays, a key time to talk about the heart with the family
The Murrays’ story particularly resonates as the holidays approach. According to the American Heart Association, up to 50% of cardiovascular risk may be genetic. Christmas and New Year, times of intergenerational reunion, are therefore a precious opportunity to discuss family medical history.
“Memories shared around the table can open the door to essential discussions”emphasizes Dr. Justin Lee, cardiologist and member of the AHA. Who had a heart attack? At what age? Have there been strokes, diabetes, high blood pressure? This information, once transmitted to a doctor, can trigger a simple assessment… or life-saving screening.
Having a genetic predisposition is not a condemnation, experts remind. It’s a warning signal. An invitation to act sooner, to adapt your lifestyle, to monitor your health parameters and, if necessary, to benefit from treatment or preventive intervention.
“We cannot fight genetics, but we can act”
Today, all five Murray brothers are doing well. They are followed, treated and operated on time. And Kevin continues to pass on his message to those around him, convinced that this technology has changed their destiny.
His story reminds us of a simple but essential truth: cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death in the world, but they are also among the most preventable when detected early. Sometimes, a family discussion, a test prescribed at the right time, can be enough to transform a predicted tragedy… into a second chance. A priceless gift to give yourself during the holidays.