A family history of heart disease can significantly impact your cardiovascular health. While you can’t change your genetic makeup, understanding your family’s health history allows you to make informed decisions to manage risks effectively. This proactive approach can be key to preventing future heart issues.
Dr. Mary Beth Fisher, a cardiologist at MU Health Care, emphasizes that while we cannot alter the genes we inherit, we can control the environment where those genes operate. “Knowing your family history helps guide lifestyle choices and prompts early action to protect your heart,” she says.
Defining Family History of Heart Disease
A family history of heart disease is particularly relevant when it comes to first-degree relatives—parents, siblings, and children. The impact of their heart health, including the age at which they experienced issues like heart attacks or strokes, plays a crucial role in your risk assessment.
Dr. Fisher highlights that a major concern arises when a first-degree relative has had a significant cardiovascular event before age 55 (for men) or 65 (for women). These early incidents could indicate hereditary conditions such as familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic disorder that causes high cholesterol. “Major events at a young age are a red flag for genetic risk factors,” she explains.
Additionally, other factors, such as a family history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, abnormal heart structures, and certain pregnancy complications like preeclampsia, can influence your risk. Even a history of atrial fibrillation or cardiomyopathy in close relatives warrants attention.
How Family History Affects You
The influence of a family history of heart disease can vary. However, in general, having relatives with heart problems increases your risk by approximately 30%. The risk escalates if you’ve already experienced a cardiovascular event, as studies show that having both personal and familial risk factors makes it 22% more likely for you to have another event.
Family history also plays a significant role during pregnancy and menopause. If a relative experienced preeclampsia, you might be at an increased risk of developing the condition, which can later elevate your chances of heart disease and stroke. Furthermore, early menopause can accelerate cardiovascular risks due to the loss of estrogen, which helps protect against heart disease.
Proactive Steps to Prevent Heart Disease
Taking charge of your heart health begins with knowledge. Dr. Fisher recommends these three steps to help reduce your risk:
Understand Your Family History : Discuss your family’s health history, particularly with first-degree relatives, to understand their cardiovascular health. Knowing about any medications, diagnoses, and treatments they have received can help assess your own risks.
Evaluate Your Current Heart Health : Regular screenings, like MU Health Care’s Love Your Heart Cardiac Screening, can help assess your cardiovascular health even if you feel healthy. These tests measure cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, and check for atherosclerosis. Dr. Fisher advises these screenings for individuals 40 and older.
Make Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Changes : Living a heart-healthy lifestyle is essential. Dr. Fisher suggests starting with manageable steps like managing stress and increasing physical activity. Regular exercise—at least 30 minutes five days a week—can drastically improve heart health. Additionally, managing mental health by finding ways to relieve stress can have long-term cardiovascular benefits.
By understanding your family’s health history, staying proactive about screenings, and embracing lifestyle changes, you can lower your risk of heart disease and improve your overall health.
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