I have a bad family history for heart disease, what should I do?

Family history of heart disease (at any age but especially under 50 years of age) increases risk for heart disease, heart attacks among family members.

What heart disease warning signs should I look for and what to do?

Patients with a family history should discuss with a doctor. The conversation may include questions about symptoms of chest pain, Shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, blackouts, Fatigue, swollen ankles; risk factors for heart disease (smoking, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol).

Testing for genetic risk of heart disease

In people with family history of sudden death at younger ages, especially under 30; all family members should get checked out if the cause of death was thought to be related to the heart. The doctor will ask similar questions, do ECG and may suggest review with cardiology for Echo, CT, MRI of heart. These assessments are very important among young people who play sport or take any exercise, especially if they have any chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, and blackouts when exercising.

Putting your mind at ease

In several cases no significant abnormality is found and patients are able to resume all exercise activities.