If My Family Have Had Heart Disease, What Should I Do?

If someone in your family has had heart disease, it’s completely natural to feel concerned about your own health. Whether it’s a parent who had a heart attack in their 50s or a sibling with high blood pressure, knowing your risk can be worrying. But it’s also a chance to take action.

This will tell you what you should know if heart disease runs in your family, what tests are available, what lifestyle changes actually help, and when to speak to a cardiologist.

Does Heart Disease Run in Families?

Yes, heart disease can run in families. While lifestyle factors like diet and exercise play a huge role, genetics also contribute. If a close relative has had heart disease especially at a young age you may have a higher risk too.

You may be more at risk if:

• Your father or brother had heart disease before age 55

• Your mother or sister had it before age 65

• More than one close relative has had heart disease

• You have a family history of high cholesterol, hypertension, or diabetes

But having a genetic risk does not mean heart disease is inevitable. Many people with a family history never develop problems themselves especially if they act early.

What Should I Do First?

If there’s a strong family history of heart disease, it’s worth booking a check-up with your GP. They may carry out basic checks and refer you for further testing if needed.

Here’s what I often suggest to people in the same position

1. Know Your Numbers

Start with a few simple health checks:

• Blood pressure

• Cholesterol levels

• Blood sugar (HbA1c)

• Body Mass Index (BMI)

• Resting heart rate

These can be done by your GP or at a private clinic. They help build a picture of your overall risk and guide whether any follow-up is needed.

2. Consider a Heart Health Assessment

If your family history is strong, you might want to consider a heart screening even if you feel well.

A typical heart health assessment may include:

Heartsure offer tailored heart health packages, especially useful for people with a known family risk. The benefit of seeing a cardiologist is that they can recommend the right mix of tests based on your personal and family history not just age.

What Are the Symptoms to Watch For?

If you’re worried about heart disease, it helps to be aware of warning signs. Symptoms can vary, but these are the ones that shouldn’t be ignored:

• Chest pain or tightness, especially during exercise

• Shortness of breath, even at rest or with light activity

• Unexplained fatigue

• Dizziness or fainting

• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations

• Swollen ankles or legs

It’s important to note that some people never experience clear symptoms especially in the early stages. That’s why preventive screening matters if you have a family history.

Is It Better to Go Private or NHS?

The NHS does offer screening for those at risk, but waiting times and access to advanced tests may be limited. If your QRisk score is high, your GP may refer you for further tests. However, if you want faster answers or more comprehensive checks, private clinics are an option. (I have linked the tool under the word QRisk above for you)

Private heart screenings in the UK typically cost between £250–£1100, depending on what’s included. Many people choose to go private initially for quicker reassurance, then continue care on the NHS if needed.

What Lifestyle Changes Actually Help?

If you’re at risk due to family heart disease, lifestyle plays a big part in reducing that risk. Here’s what the evidence shows:

• Quit smoking – lowers risk significantly within 12 months

• Exercise regularly – aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate activity

• Eat heart-healthy foods – more vegetables, oily fish, whole grains, and less processed food

• Manage weight – maintaining a healthy BMI supports blood pressure and cholesterol

• Cut down on alcohol – excessive drinking can raise blood pressure

• Prioritise sleep and stress management – both impact heart health

These changes won’t just help prevent heart disease they’ll benefit your overall health too.

Should I Take Medication If I Feel Fine?

Sometimes, your doctor may recommend starting preventive medication like statins or blood pressure tablets even if you have no symptoms. This is more likely if:

• You have high cholesterol

• Your QRisk score is above 10%

• You’ve had early heart disease in the family

The decision should be based on an individual assessment. A cardiologist can help weigh up the benefits and any potential risks.

Can I Be Genetically Tested?

Genetic testing for heart disease is still evolving in the UK. Some inherited conditions, like familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) or inherited arrhythmia syndromes, can be tested through specialist services. If a relative has been diagnosed with one of these, you may be offered screening through the NHS. But for most people, genetic testing is not yet part of standard care. Instead, family history remains one of the most powerful indicators and one that doctors take seriously.

How Often Should I Get Checked?

If you’ve already had a normal check-up but still have a strong family history, I’d suggest a yearly review. Your doctor can monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and any new symptoms. If anything changes, they’ll be able to act quickly. Those aged over 40 are also eligible for an NHS Health Check every 5 years, which includes a heart risk assessment. If you're under 40 but concerned, particularly if a parent or sibling had early heart disease, it’s reasonable to ask for a risk review sooner.

Conclusion

Having family heart disease doesn’t mean you’ll definitely develop it too. But it does mean you should stay informed, get tested when needed, and look after your health more closely. Early action is the most powerful thing you can do. With the right guidance whether through your GP or a cardiology clinic you can take control of your risk, rather than worry about it. If you're ready to check your heart health you can get in touch with us here. You can also book an appointment using this online tool here.