The American Heart Association says summertime family reunions are a good time to talk about your family health history and how it can play an important role in heart disease. Research shows that as much as half of your risk for heart disease can come from your family genes. Knowing your family history is an important step to reducing your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
“Many people gather for family reunions throughout the summer and there will be lots of trips down memory lane and stories shared from past generations. As you’re reminiscing, it’s a good time to find out more about your family health history. Did Great-Grandma Agnes pass away from a heart attack? Did Uncle Bob survive a stroke? Knowing that you have a history of cardiovascular disease among your relatives is important, because it can mean you are at an increased risk of also having a heart attack or stroke,” said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, American Heart Association volunteer president. “Once you recognize you may be at increased risk, you can take some important steps to stay healthy.”
Rosen said that having a family history of heart disease or stroke isn’t a death sentence, but it should be a wake-up call. While you may be genetically predisposed to cardiovascular disease, there are a lot of factors that are within your control to lower your overall risk.
A study found people with high genetic risks for heart disease could significantly lower that risk if they adhered to the Association’s Life’s Essential 8™.
Life’s Essential 8 includes:
- Eat Better
- Be More Active
- Quit Tobacco
- Get Healthy Sleep
- Manage Weight
- Control Cholesterol
- Manage Blood Sugar
- Manage Blood Pressure
Learn more at heart.org.
