Assessing the risk factors of heart disease is key when it comes to preventing cardiovascular issues. Modifiable risk factors include lifestyle factors such as unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and unmanaged stress, whereas nonmodifiable risk factors encompass age, gender, and family history, which can influence heart disease susceptibility but cannot be changed. However, taking proactive steps can help manage risks and prevent or manage heart-related concerns.
Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Tom Devasia, Professor and Unit Head, Department of Cardiology, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, discusses some of these measures in detail.
Heart Diseases Influenced By Family History
Family history of heart disease is one of the major risk factors of Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs). In a study published in the Journal Wellcome Open Research, the prevalence of any family history of CVD and Cardiovascular Heart Disease (CHD) in the control population was 24% and 21%, respectively.
"Family history of CVD is an independent risk factor for premature CHD. The risk of premature CHD increases linearly with an increase in the number of affected family members," the study concluded.
Also Read: Understanding The Risk Of Calcium Buildup In Your Arteries: Warning Signs To Note
Common cardiovascular conditions associated with a family history of heart disease include:
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): A condition where plaque buildup narrows the arteries supplying blood to the heart, potentially leading to chest pain (angina), heart attacks, and other complications.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): High BP is a condition characterised by elevated force of blood against the walls of arteries. It can strain the cardiovascular system, potentially leading to heart disease, stroke, and other health complications.
Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): Heart attack occurs when a blockage in a coronary artery disrupts blood flow to a portion of the heart muscle. This can lead to tissue damage and potentially life-threatening complications.
Cardiomyopathies: Cardiomyopathies are a group of conditions that affect the heart muscle, causing it to become enlarged, thickened, or weakened.
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How To Protect Your Heart If You Have A Family History Of Heart Disease
Dr Devasia says, “While you can manage some factors related to your heart health like diet and overall healthy lifestyle, there are a few things like age and family history which are not in your control.”
“Nonetheless, by following a heart-healthy lifestyle and monitoring your health could help protect your heart,” he adds.
Few precautionary measures one must follow if they have a family history of heart diseases include:
Consult your doctor about genetic tests
Cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias are two inherited kinds of heart disease that can be tested for genetically. These examinations look for the gene alterations that result in these illnesses using a sample of your blood or saliva. If you exhibit signs of an inherited cardiac issue or have relatives who have the disease, your doctor can advise genetic testing. Your test findings will aid in determining whether you need to consider therapy.
A balanced diet
Even if you are at a high risk due to your family history, following a heart-healthy diet can lower your risk of developing heart disease. More so than others, some diets are healthy for your heart. Saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sugar, and salt-rich foods are linked to heart disease.
Regular exercise
Exercise frequently to reduce your risk of hereditary heart disease. People who exercise regularly have a lower risk of having a heart attack or stroke
Keep an eye on your weight
Obesity or high Body Mass Index (BMI) can be risky for your overall heart health. One way is that it can hasten the formation of artery-clogging plaques. Being extremely overweight increases the risk of developing heart disease
Cholesterol lowering drugs
People with family history of heart attack in the young age may sometimes be given cholesterol lowering drugs called statin based on test reports by the treating cardiologist
Dr Devasia also advises to keep in check additional aspects like refraining from smoking, abstaining from alcohol, monitoring their blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, among other things, and scheduling regular checkups.