What is a family history of heart disease?
If you have a family history of a certain disease, it means that other members of your family have suffered from it. This implies a causal link – shared genetics, shared lifestyles, and/or a shared environment could be the cause of the condition.
People with a family history of a condition are considered to be at a higher-than-average risk of developing the condition themselves.
In the case of heart and circulatory diseases, it is important to look at which members of your family have suffered from heart disease or have had an incident such as a stroke or heart attack. It is also important to note the age they were when they were diagnosed.
What is considered a strong family history of heart disease?
If your immediate male relatives (father and brothers) were under 55 or your immediate female relatives (mother and sisters) were under 65 when they were diagnosed with a heart condition, you are considered to have a strong family history.
Is heart disease hereditary?
Some heart diseases are hereditary. The most common inherited heart diseases are:
- Cardiomyopathies
- Channelopathies (life-threatening heart rhythms)
- Familial hypercholesterolaemia
Inherited diseases are caused by mutations in certain genes that are passed from parent to child. However, genetics are only one factor that can lead to a family history, along with shared environments and similar lifestyles.
I have a family history of heart disease. What should I do?
If you have a family history of heart disease, you should tell your GP to make sure they are aware. They may schedule you for cardiac screening when appropriate.
While nothing can be done to change your family history, it is important to remember that it is only one risk factor and that steps can be taken to tackle other risk factors, thereby reducing your overall risk of being affected by heart conditions. Lifestyle measures include:
- Avoiding smoking
- Keeping physically fit
- A balanced diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Managing diabetes
- Managing cholesterol and blood pressure
Семейная история болезни сердца
What is a family history of heart disease?
If you have a family history of a certain disease, it means that other members of your family have suffered from it. This implies a causal link – shared genetics, shared lifestyles, and/or a shared environment could be the cause of the condition.
People with a family history of a condition are considered to be at a higher-than-average risk of developing the condition themselves.
In the case of heart and circulatory diseases, it is important to look at which members of your family have suffered from heart disease or have had an incident such as a stroke or heart attack. It is also important to note the age they were when they were diagnosed.
What is considered a strong family history of heart disease?
If your immediate male relatives (father and brothers) were under 55 or your immediate female relatives (mother and sisters) were under 65 when they were diagnosed with a heart condition, you are considered to have a strong family history.
Is heart disease hereditary?
Some heart diseases are hereditary. The most common inherited heart diseases are:
- Cardiomyopathies
- Channelopathies (life-threatening heart rhythms)
- Familial hypercholesterolaemia
Inherited diseases are caused by mutations in certain genes that are passed from parent to child. However, genetics are only one factor that can lead to a family history, along with shared environments and similar lifestyles.
I have a family history of heart disease. What should I do?
If you have a family history of heart disease, you should tell your GP to make sure they are aware. They may schedule you for cardiac screening when appropriate.
While nothing can be done to change your family history, it is important to remember that it is only one risk factor and that steps can be taken to tackle other risk factors, thereby reducing your overall risk of being affected by heart conditions. Lifestyle measures include:
- Avoiding smoking
- Keeping physically fit
- A balanced diet
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Managing diabetes
- Managing cholesterol and blood pressure
Inherited heart diseases and family screening
Por Dr Teresa Castiello
2024-12-29
While it can often be clear from whom a child has inherited their eye colour, for example, other genetic factors aren't often so clear to spot. Family screening is a crucial tool in the early detection of inherited cardiovascular diseases, particularly if an immediate family member has been affected. Esteemed London-based cardiologist Dr Teresa Castiello shares why they are so important, who they can help, and at what age family-related heart problems usually occur. подробнее
Understanding family history of heart disease
Por Professor Riyaz Patel
2024-12-25
If you have a family history of heart disease, understanding what it means is essential for assessing your own risk and taking proactive steps to protect your heart health. Here, Professor Riyaz Patel, renowned consultant cardiologist, delves into what constitutes a family history of heart disease, how it affects heart health, and what are common hereditary heart conditions. подробнее
Familial hypercholesterolemia: steps to combat the condition
Por Dr Dushyant Maradia
2024-12-18
Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) presents as a silent yet perilous condition affecting approximately 1 in 200-300 individuals worldwide. This inherited genetic disorder results in abnormally high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the blood, significantly increasing the risk of premature cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes. With a 50% likelihood of cardiovascular disease striking males with FH before their 55th birthday and a 33% probability for females before their 60th birthday, it becomes incumbent upon society to raise awareness about FH and take proactive measures to assist those affected. Leading consultant cardiologist Dr Dushyant Maradia provides tips to try and combat the condition. подробнее
Врачи-специалисты в области Семейная история болезни сердца
London Bridge Hospital - part of HCA Healthcare
London Bridge Hospital - part of HCA Healthcare
27 Tooley St
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Top Doctors
OneWelbeck Heart Health
OneWelbeck Heart Health
1 Welbeck St, London, W1G 0AR
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Si haces uso de este teléfono facilitado por TOP DOCTORS nos autorizas al tratamiento de tu teléfono para fines estadísticos y comerciales. Para más información, lee nuestra Политика конфиденциальности
Top Doctors
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London Bridge Hospital - part of HCA Healthcare
27 Tooley St, Central LondonЭксперт в области :
- 24 -часовое обслуживание
- Кардиология
- Операция с минимальным доступом (операция с замочной скважиной)
- ортопедическая хирургия
- Сердечно-сосудистые заболевания
- гастроэнтерология
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OneWelbeck Heart Health
1 Welbeck St, London, W1G 0AR, W1G Marylebone LondonЭксперт в области :
- Клинический анализ
- аритмия
- Сердцебиение