Hi, thank you for your question.
Family history is strongly associated with heart disease. A family history of heart disease is defined by having a first-degree male relative (father or brother) who had a heart attack before the age of 55, or a first-degree female relative (mother or sister) before the age of 65.

Genes affect how our bodies work and we inherit them from our parents. They control every aspect of our cardiovascular system, from the strength of our blood vessels to the way cells in our heart work. Genes are passed from parents to children in the DNA of the eggs or sperm. The parents’ genetic code is then duplicated into every cells of their child’s body during development. When a family member is diagnosed with heart disease, other family members are encouraged to undergo screening for risk factors and early stage disease that may not yet produce symptoms.

There is no way you can change genetics, but you can lower your risk of developing heart disease significantly by leading a healthy lifestyle.
You should eat a healthy diet. Follow a low-fat, low-sodium diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, exercise regularly. Exercise for at least 30 minutes 5 times a week or do vigorous aerobic exercises 20 minutes 3 times a week. Maintaining a healthy weight is important as well. Keep your BMI <25 and waist circumference <40 inches (for men) and <35 inches (for women). Next, quit smoking. Besides, drink alcohol in moderation. Limit yourself to 2 drinks (for men) or 1 drink (for women)a day. Other than that, learn to manage stress through coping techniques like deep breathing exercises and meditaion. Lastly, go for regular health screenings to keep high blood pressure and cholesterol under control. Thank you.

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