When people come to see me about their heart health, one of the first questions I ask is, “Does anyone in your family have a history of heart disease?” It’s not just small talk your family history can reveal a lot about your risk.
In short, yes, your family history can impact your heart health. If a close relative has had heart disease especially at a young age it may increase your chances of developing similar issues. But that doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed, and it certainly doesn’t mean you’re powerless. Let’s look at what family history means for your heart, what you should be looking out for, and what you can do about it.
What Does ‘Family History’ Mean in Heart Health?
When we talk about family history, we usually mean first-degree relatives your parents, siblings, or children. If one of them has had:
Especially before the age of 60, then your own risk is higher than average.
Why? Because genes play a role in many of the underlying causes of heart disease. Some families are more prone to high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, or even certain structural heart problems.
Is It All About Genetics?
Not entirely. While your genes may load the gun, your lifestyle pulls the trigger. Family history doesn’t work in isolation it mixes with other risk factors like:
Poor diet
Lack of exercise
Stress
Obesity
Diabetes
In fact, some families share more than just DNA they also share habits. That means what looks like a genetic risk may sometimes be environmental too. Still, there are genetic conditions like familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) that lead to dangerously high cholesterol levels regardless of lifestyle. If these run in your family, it’s important to catch them early.
How Do I Know If I’m at Risk?
If you're unsure, speak with your GP or a cardiologist. We usually ask questions like:
Has anyone in your family had a heart attack or stroke before 60?
Does anyone take regular medication for blood pressure or cholesterol?
Has anyone had a stent, bypass, or pacemaker?
Even if your relatives didn’t talk openly about their health, it’s worth checking. Sometimes family members don’t mention high blood pressure or cholesterol because it seems “normal” but these are key indicators.
What Should I Do If Heart Disease Runs in My Family?
If you do have a family history of heart issues, there are a few important steps to take.
1. Get Checked Early
You don’t need to wait for symptoms. Screening tests like:
Cholesterol checks
can identify problems early, even if you feel perfectly well.
At Heartsure, we regularly see patients who come in with no symptoms but a strong family history. Early detection often allows us to prevent more serious conditions later on.
2. Know Your Numbers
If you’re over 40, your GP may offer a free NHS health check every five years. This will usually include:
Risk Factor | Target Range |
Blood Pressure | Below 140/90 mmHg |
LDL Cholesterol | Below 3 mmol/L |
BMI | 18.5–24.9 |
QRisk (10-year risk) | Below 10% if possible |
If you’re below 40 and have a strong family history, you may still be eligible for early screening especially through private clinics.
3. Prioritise Lifestyle Changes
Even if your risk is inherited, lifestyle can make a big difference. Start by:
Eating a heart-friendly diet (low in saturated fat and salt)
Exercising for 30 minutes most days
Stopping smoking
Limiting alcohol
Managing stress
Should I Take Medication If I Have Family History?
Sometimes. If your cholesterol is high or you’ve already had a QRisk assessment showing you're at increased risk, your doctor may suggest statins or blood pressure medication as a preventive measure.
Again, this doesn’t mean you're unwell it means we’re taking steps to keep you well.
Medication is usually part of a bigger picture, alongside lifestyle and regular check-ups.
Can Children or Teenagers Be Affected?
In rare cases, yes. If there’s a known inherited condition like familial hypercholesterolaemia, children may also be tested early. But for most young people, the focus is on encouraging good habits and awareness.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a heart condition or risk factor, it may be worth speaking to your GP about testing your children or younger relatives, especially if they’re approaching adulthood.
When Should I See a Cardiologist?
You don’t have to wait until something goes wrong. If you:
Have a family history of heart disease
Are over 40 and haven’t been checked
Have high cholesterol or blood pressure
Are feeling anxious about your risk
it may be worth booking an appointment for peace of mind.
Cardiologists can offer more detailed tests like an echocardiogram, CT coronary angiogram, or exercise tolerance test depending on your symptoms and medical background.
Summary of points
Family history can absolutely affect your heart health, but it’s not a diagnosis it’s a signal to take action. Knowing your risk gives you the chance to stay ahead of problems, rather than reacting to them later.
If heart disease runs in your family, you’re not alone. With the right information, screening, and lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce your chances of developing serious heart issues down the line.
Whether through the NHS or privately, heart screenings and early tests are readily available in the UK. And if you ever feel unsure, speaking to a cardiologist like some of ours at Heartsure we can give you personalised advice that fits your background and lifestyle.
