Heart disease is a leading cause of death globally, driven by factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and unhealthy lifestyle choices. The good news is that many of these risk factors can be managed or even reduced through healthy lifestyle changes, such as adopting a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and quitting smoking. However, for some individuals, the risk of heart disease goes beyond lifestyle choices, as genetic predisposition plays a significant role.
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr L K Jha, Associate Director and Head of Cardiology at Asian Hospital, Faridabad, explains the implications of heart disease being hereditary and sheds light on how individuals can manage and reduce their risk.
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What Does It Mean When Heart Disease Runs In Family?![]()
When heart disease runs in the family, it basically means that you may be prone to certain cardiac diseases, says Dr Jha. However, the doctor warns against leaping to conclusions and says, “Just because your mother, father, sibling, grandmother, or grandpa had a cardiac event or had a cardiovascular problem does not guarantee that you will have heart disease as well. It just indicates that you are more likely to have a similar prognosis.”
According to the National Institutes of Health, persons in a family with heart disease have a 50/50 risk of inheriting the ailment.
While you cannot change your family medical history, the good news is that you can definitely affect your other risk factors. This raises your chances of living a long, happy, and healthy life free of heart disease.
Lifestyle Changes That May Help Reduce Risk![]()
When it comes to reducing your risk of heart disease, especially when you have a family history, healthy lifestyle choices are key, particularly those that help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in the body. Some of the key considerations to make include:
- A healthy and balanced diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will help you lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, both of which can lessen your chance of developing heart disease.
- Regular physical exercise strengthens the heart and promotes circulation. Excessive alcohol use might increase your risk of heart disease. It's best to avoid drinking altogether, but if you do, keep your consumption under control.
- Cigarette smoking elevates blood pressure and increases your chance of a heart attack or stroke.
- Extreme stress may be a "trigger" for a heart attack. Manage your stress with techniques like yoga, meditation, tai chi among others.
- Not getting enough sleep increases your chance of high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes, which raises your risk of heart disease. If you are an adult, strive to obtain 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
Genetic Tests To Take If You Have A Family History Of Heart Disease![]()
Dr Jha explains that specific genetic tests, often referred to as genomic testing, can play a crucial role in identifying individual risk factors for heart disease. These tests, including whole genome sequencing, analyse a person's genetic material to detect abnormalities that may lead to inherited heart conditions (IHC). For instance, cardiomyopathies, which affect the heart muscle, and channelopathies like Long QT syndrome and Brugada syndrome, which disrupt the heart's electrical activity, can be identified through such testing.
Additionally, familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a genetic disorder characterised by extremely high cholesterol levels that can contribute to heart disease. Ultimately, genetic testing serves as a vital DNA assessment tool to determine the presence of mutations in genes associated with hereditary cardiac problems, empowering individuals with the knowledge needed to manage their health proactively.
Role Of Regular Screening
“Regular cardiac exams and check-ups are vital for keeping your heart healthy. These checkups aid in the early detection of cardiovascular disorders such as excessive blood pressure, cholesterol abnormalities, and heart disease,” says Dr Jha.
These tests can include:
- Blood pressure measurement
- Cholesterol test
- An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- An echocardiogram
- Stress test
Conclusion
When heart disease runs in the family, the chances of you developing a heart disease are 50%. However, there are various ways to reduce the risk. Regular screening and checkups is a great start, along with healthy lifestyle choices like eating a balanced diet, indulging in regular physical activity, quitting smoking, managing stress, and sleeping well. In addition, opt for suitable genetic testing that can assess your risk of heart conditions. Consult a doctor to get the best guidance.