Many Aware of Heart Disease Family History but Not Taking Care

CLEVELAND – According to a Cleveland Clinic survey, most Americans know if heart disease runs in their family. However, one-third of those surveyed believe there’s nothing they can do to reduce their risk if they have a family history – but that’s not the case.

“If you have a family history of heart disease that doesn’t mean that you are going to get the heart problem –on the contrary,” said Samir Kapadia, M.D., chairman of Cardiovascular Medicine at Cleveland Clinic. “If you have family history, you should investigate why you have the heart problem, or can get the heart problem, and you prevent it if you have the proper treatment at the right time.”

The survey shows 40% of people who have lost a family member to heart disease have never been screened for the condition – and that jumps to 54% among millennials.

Dr. Kapadia said family history can be related to various factors that affect the heart – and many can be modified.

High cholesterol and diabetes are good examples of hereditary conditions that can be managed through diet, lifestyle and medication before they cause heart problems.

Even genetic heart issues can be identified and treated thanks to medical advancements.

“There is also, now, much fancier tests to understand why family history is impacting your heart health,” said Dr. Kapadia. “If you have cardiomyopathies, if you have QT syndrome; so they are genetic problems, then you have specific treatments now designed to counter those familial traits that can lead to ill effects.”

If you have a family history of heart disease, Dr. Kapadia recommends talking to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk.