Family History

ENGLISH / MALTESE

What is cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a group of conditions which affect the heart and blood vessels.  This includes: 

  • Coronary artery disease - lack of blood supply to the heart causing angina or heart attack

  • Peripheral artery disease - limited blood supply to arms and legs causing ulcers

  • Cerebrovascular disease - lack of blood supply to the brain causing stroke

“Cardiovascular diseases are the number 1 cause of death in the world and 85% of CVD related deaths are directly related to heart attacks and strokes! ”

What are the risk factors for cardiovascular disease?

Fortunately, most CVDs can be prevented. This can be done by tackling and addressing ‘Modifiable’ risk factors:

  1. High cholesterol levels

  2. High blood pressure

  3. Smoking

  4. Diabetes

  5. Physical inactivity

  6. Obesity

  7. Alcohol consumption


On the other hand, there are ‘Non-modifiable’ Risk Factors which are risk factors which cannot be changed such as:

  1. Family history of CVD 

  2. Older age

  3. Male gender 

  4. Race and ethnicity: For example, African - Americans are at a greater risk for CVD 

Why does family history increase my risk of cardiovascular disease?

Your genetic material, or genes, are passed on to you from your parents and make up your cells. Your genes determine how you look and how your body functions. In certain cases, having a biological parent who suffers from certain conditions increases your risk of developing the same conditions. This is different from an inherited condition which refers to a disease where a faulty (mutated) gene is inherited directly via your parents’ genetic material. 

A family history for CVD is significant if:

  • Your brother or father is diagnosed with CVD before the age of 55

  • Your sister or mother is diagnosed with CVD before the age of 65

What should I do if I have a significant family history?

Having a significant family history of CVD does not necessarily mean you will suffer from CVD. Unfortunately, family history is a non-modifiable risk factor for CVD, therefore you must focus on reducing your modifiable risk factors:

  1. Maintain a healthy diet

  2. Stop smoking- Local smoking cessation services are available, and you can always ask your family doctor for advice

  3. Control blood sugar levels (in the case of diabetic patients)

  4. Reduce alcohol consumption

  5. Remain physically active - Taking the stairs instead of the lift, walking to local shops instead of taking the car. It is recommended to do around 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week

  6. Diagnose and control your high blood pressure

  7. Control cholesterol levels

  8. Maintain a healthy weight

Visit your family doctor if you have any questions regarding your family history.

Take-Home Messages

A family history of cardiovascular disease does not imply you will definitely suffer from cardiovascular disease

Your main aim should be to maintain a healthy lifestyle 

Reduce any risk factors which are within your control

HELP AND SUPPORT

If you have any questions regarding our article feel free to contact us on info@maltaheartfoundation.org or our Facebook page.

This article was authored by Dr. Peter Cassar and edited by Dr. Neil Grech, in collaboration with the Malta Heart Foundation and Maltese Cardiac Society.

Risk FactorsMHF Admin - Matthew Farrugia