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Hereditary Heart Disease

Hereditary heart disease refers to heart disease conditions that are passed down from one family member to another within the family unit. One of the most alarming things about hereditary heart disease is the fact that if it is congenital, it may be unavoidable and, in some cases, unpreventable. But a family history of heart disease can also be associated with lifestyle. Poor eating habits and lack of exercise can attribute to the vicious cycle of heart-related illnesses.

  1. Early Coronary Artery Disease

    • According to Merck, coronary artery disease is a condition that blocks or completely cuts off the blood supply to the heart. Coronary artery disease is considered to be a hereditary form of heart disease that is more common in aging men than in women. However, the odds of developing coronary artery disease are increased in both genders if a close family member was diagnosed with the disease between the ages of 50 and 55.

    Cholesterol

    • High cholesterol, also known as hypercholesterolemia, is denoted by abnormal amounts of "lipoproteins" within the blood. These are the molecules that carry cholesterol throughout the body, and high amounts increase a person's risk of heart attack. According to eMedicineHealth.com, genetics can play a role in the development of high cholesterol, as can a diet of high saturated fats. High cholesterol that is inherited can sometimes be difficult to control and hypercholesterolemia that is not effectively reduced with diet and exercise alone may need to be further combated with the addition of a cholesterol-lowering medication.

    High Blood Pressure

    • High blood pressure (hypertension) has been linked to genetic factors, and the University of Virginia Health System reveals that a particular type of high blood pressure known as "essential hypertension" strikes at least 25 percent of the adult population throughout the world. However, even though high blood pressure has been linked to genetics, scientists have been unable to determine the root cause. But it is important for family members who are at risk of developing high blood pressure to understand that lifestyle changes can help lower their risk of heart disease caused by hypertension.

    Diabetes

    • According to Michigan State University, approximately 80 percent of the people diagnosed with diabetes each year also have an immediate family member who also has been diagnosed with the condition. This fact has led scientists to theorize that diabetes is an inherited disorder. It is estimated that approximately two out of three people who have already been diagnosed with diabetes die of heart disease and stroke-related illnesses. Therefore, the proper management of diabetes is crucial in maintaining good health.

    Obesity

    • Obesity, or the presence of too much fat in the body, has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a leading factor in the development of heart disease. TJ Clark and Company reports that obesity is often observed in multiple family members, indicating that there may be a genetic link. However, because family members often share the same lifestyle, it is difficult to determine just how much weight gain can be attributed to hereditary factors and how much is environmental. Nonetheless, changes in eating habits and maintaining an active lifestyle are essential in reducing the risk of heart disease in the obese.

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