Family History

Family history of heart disease:

If you have a family history of heart disease you have an increased risk of developing heart disease.

You are considered to have a family history of cardiovascular disease if

• Your father or brother was under 55 years of age when they were diagnosed with heart disease
• Your mother or sister was under the age of 65 years when they were diagnosed with heart disease

Genes can pass on the risk of heart disease.  However they can also be responsible for passing on high blood pressure or high cholesterol.