Quick Summery

Heart disease can run in families, but having a family history does not mean that heart disease is inevitable. Genetics can influence cholesterol levels, blood pressure, diabetes risk and other factors that affect cardiovascular health. A particularly important warning sign is premature heart disease, such as a heart attack or stroke occurring at a relatively young age in a close family member. In some families, inherited conditions such as familial hypercholesterolaemia can cause very high LDL cholesterol and significantly increase cardiovascular risk. However, genes are only part of the picture. Smoking, diet, physical inactivity, excess weight, diabetes, high blood pressure and other lifestyle factors also influence risk. For Indian families with a history of early heart disease, knowing your family history and checking important risk factors early can help identify opportunities for prevention.