Family history

Not necessarily.

Family history heightens our attention, but does not in itself determine the future.

Blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, smoking, blood glucose, weight and exercise are factors we can intervene on.

We are particularly interested when a close relative developed cardiovascular disease at a relatively young age.

But we do not only consider whether "there was a heart in the family". It matters what the problem was, which relative developed it and at what age.

Yes.

Certain cardiomyopathies, arrhythmias and cholesterol disorders may have a significant genetic basis.

When there is a relevant family history, more targeted screening of relatives may be needed.