Family History and Heart Disease

Family History and Heart Disease

Women and men with parents or siblings with heart disease are more likely to develop heart disease themselves. A significant family history is present when:

• A father or brother develops heart disease before the age of 55.
• A mother or sister develops heart disease before the age of 65.

Women and men with parents or siblings with high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes are also more likely to develop these diseases as well. No one can control his or her family history. Therefore, it is very important for individuals with a family history of heart disease to control any other risk factors to stay healthy.