Your family's health history can offer valuable insights into your own health. While lifestyle factors like diet and exercise are important, it is also crucial to consider your family history of heart disease. Let’s look at what family history you need to know:

• Specific heart diagnosis or procedures experienced. Know what specific heart diagnosis or procedures they experienced (ex. heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, stint).

• Age of diagnosis. Family that experienced early-onset heart disease (ex. before age 40 or late 30s) is a strong indicator of a higher risk of developing early heart problems.

Why Is This Information Important

• Start Earlier Screenings: A strong family history of heart disease warrants screening for risk factors earlier than the standard recommendations.

• Create a Personalized Plan: Your doctor can work with you to create a plan to lower your risk.

Understanding your family’s heart health history is powerful information in protecting your own wellbeing. By sharing this information with your doctor, you are teaming up to create a personalized plan for your heart.