Family history: what your cardiologist needs to know

One question I ask during almost every cardiac examination is whether there has been a significant heart-related event in the family.

Many people remember that their father, mother or a sibling “had something wrong with their heart”, but do not know exactly what happened or at what age. Even this information is useful.

Age is particularly important. A heart attack or stroke before age 55 in a male first-degree relative, or before age 65 in a female first-degree relative, should be mentioned. The same applies to very high cholesterol, cardiomyopathy, serious arrhythmias or a sudden death in the family.

A family history does not mean that the same will necessarily happen to you. It may, however, change how early assessment begins and which aspects we monitor more closely.

Before your next appointment, it is worth having this short conversation with your family.

Also mention high blood pressure in the family and, if known, your relatives’ diagnoses, ages at onset, operations and medicines. You do not need to know everything: share what you know.