The holidays are a time for family, celebration and connection. While sharing stories and making memories, consider adding one more tradition: collecting your family health history.
Why does it matter? Research shows that up to half of your risk for heart disease may come from your genes. Knowing whether heart disease or stroke runs in your family can help you and your doctor make informed decisions about your health.
Most medical offices ask for a health history before appointments. “Arrive early and take time to fill out those forms accurately,” said Dr. Susie Woo, cardiologist and board president of the American Heart Association in Washington. “If I know a patient has a family history of heart disease or stroke, it shapes my testing and treatment recommendations. That information is invaluable.”
When thinking about what information is important to know, Woo suggests starting with immediate family members. Find out if your parents, grandparents or siblings had heart disease or a stroke. Also, ask about risk factors like diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure. Then find out about the age when the conditions started.
If you discover a genetic link, it’s not a death sentence. Many risk factors are within your control. Regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, quitting tobacco and vaping, and getting quality sleep all help lower risk and are things we can all do.
“Even if high cholesterol or high blood pressure are in your genes, early diagnosis, lifestyle changes and medication if needed, can make a big difference in preventing adverse outcomes from those conditions,” said Woo.
Once you’ve gathered your family health history, save it in a file you can share with relatives and pass along to your children. “Knowledge is a gift,” said Woo. “It can give you and the people you love the power to change the course of your family history and protect hearts for years to come.” For more information – Why Give | American Heart Association