Elvis Presley was a music icon through the years, and his family became just as legendary. Sadly, Elvis and his family did not seem to be destined to live long lives.
The sudden death of Lisa Marie Presley at the age of 54 this January 2023 and the death of her famous father Elvis at 42 could possibly be related. Experts now want to find out. Weird coincidence or a genetic curse?
Elvis’ only child was just 54 when she died Thursday after suffering cardiac arrest at home in Calabasas, California. Her father, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, also died of heart problems in 1977, albeit at the tragic age of 42.
In the past, the death of the “King” has often been compared to that of his mother, Gladys Smith Presley (1912-1958), who also died of heart failure 19 years earlier. She was only 46 years old. Some of Gladys’ siblings also died in their forties. Their second child, Elvis’ twin Jesse, was stillborn.
Early demise seems to run through the Presley family like a genetic curse. But is there a logical explanation for the tragic deaths?
According to AWM, there is:
The family history of early deaths attributed to the Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency has been a mystery for years, but it is thought to be the culprit in these premature fatalities.
Elvis and many of his family members were sadly predestined to die young due to their inherited genetic disorder. Despite the unfortunate circumstances surrounding his death, Elvis will always remain an iconic figure in American culture for years to come. He was a trailblazer of rock and roll who single-handedly revolutionized the music industry and will never be forgotten.
Having a history of heart disease in your family makes you more likely to develop a heart ailment in the future, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Many types of heart disease can be passed down in families. According to the Mayo Clinic, family history of a heart disease increases the risk of coronary artery disease especially if a parent developed it at an early age.
In some cases, heart disease at a young age can be a sign of hypercholesterolemia, a genetic disorder that causes high cholesterol.
It’s important to collect family health history to determine whether someone is more at risk of heart disease. If you’re aware of the risk you may be able to get ahead of the problem
Sources: AWM, The Washington Post
