Know Your Risk & Protect Your Heart

One of the most common questions I hear from patients is, “Heart disease runs in my family. What should I do?”

It's an important question because family history can play a significant role in your risk for developing heart disease. The good news is that knowing your family history gives you an opportunity to take action early, often years before any symptoms develop.

Why Family History Matters

When we talk about family history of heart disease, we look at the age when family members were diagnosed and how closely they are related to you.

• Premature heart disease refers to people diagnosed at a younger age, generally age 55 in men and age 65 in women.
• First-degree relatives, such as a parent or sibling diagnosed with heart disease, suggests there could be inherited risk factors.

If you have a family history like this, it doesn't mean that heart disease is inevitable. It does mean that you should be more proactive about understanding your own risk factors and taking steps to protect your heart.

Start Protecting Your Heart Early

Many people assume heart disease is something they only need to worry about later in life, but prevention often begins much earlier. I encourage patients with a strong family history to start paying attention to their cardiovascular health in their 20s and 30s. This includes monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol levels, weight and waist circumference, as well as maintaining healthy lifestyle habits.

These numbers may seem simple, but they provide valuable insight into your heart health and can help identify potential concerns before they become serious problems.

Ask About an Lp(a) Test

In recent years, we've also learned more about certain inherited risk factors that may not show up during routine screenings. One of these is lipoprotein(a), often called Lp(a). This is a cholesterol particle that is largely determined by genetics and needs to be checked at least once in a person’s lifetime.

I often describe Lp(a) as a “sticky” cholesterol particle because it can contribute to inflammation and plaque buildup within the arteries. Elevated levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, especially in people with a family history of heart problems. For many patients, an Lp(a) test can provide important information that helps us better understand their overall risk profile.

When a Coronary Calcium Scan May Help

As patients get older, additional screening options may become appropriate. Beginning around age 35, some individuals may benefit from a coronary calcium score, a simple, noninvasive CT scan that looks for calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. This test can help identify signs of heart disease before symptoms occur and provide a useful baseline for future care.

Of course, every patient is different. Age, lifestyle, medical history and family history all influence which tests or screenings may be right for you. That’s why having a conversation with your health care provider is so important.

Family History is Not Destiny

The most important message I want people to remember is this: family history is information, not destiny.
You cannot change the genes you inherited, but you can control many of the factors that influence your heart health. By understanding your risks, staying informed and being proactive, you can take meaningful steps to reduce your chances of developing heart disease.

If heart disease runs in your family, don’t wait for symptoms to appear before taking action. A simple conversation with your health care provider could be the first step toward protecting your heart for years to come.