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What You Need To Know About Genetics And Heart Disease

10 April 2015 by Clifford Ramos

Heart disease, stroke and heart attacks are some of the leading causes of death in the United States. This is why it is so important that you understand who is at risk for heart disease and what you can do about it. Family history plays a large role in the likelihood that you will have problems with your heart. Here is what you need to know about genetics and heart problems.

1. Know Your Immediate Family's History

Some people wonder how far they need to go back on their family history when it comes to medical records. Generally speaking if you know your grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles and parents history you should have a pretty clear idea as to what is going on. It is unlikely that it would skip two or three generations. Instead, you are likely to see similarities in your grandparents, parents and your own health.

2. Disclose Any Concerns To Your Doctor

If you have kind of history of heart problems in your family you need to tell your doctor. Usually you will have paper work that you fill out before an appointment and they will ask for a family history. Take this section very seriously. If the doctor knows that you are high risk for heart disease from your family history, they can start early testing and get you on medications and treatment plans that can hopefully prevent major problems. The earlier you start managing the problem the better off you will be.

3. Lifestyle Does Matter

You might be tempted to say that if you are predisposed for heart disease that there is nothing that you can do, but that is not the case. Yes, there is no way to reverse your genetics, but that doesn't mean that you can't manage it with diet, exercise, medication and healthy living. You might discover while you are young that you have high cholesterol. There are great medications out there for helping to lower cholesterol. In addition, you should be eating a low fat diet and exercising often. If you ignore the problem and think that you can't do anything about it you put yourself at risk for early heart problems.

4. Even Those Without Genetic Factors Aren't Safe

Even if your family doesn't have a history of heart disease that doesn't mean that you are safe. Heart disease affects many people who didn't have history of problems, which is why everyone should get early testing and make sure they are managing their lifestyle in a heart healthy way.

By understanding these things you can keep yourself safe. Check out a heart specialists near you for more information. 

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