Heart Disease: An Unwanted Heirloom
February 26, 2021
You’ve got your father’s eyes, your grandmother’s laugh, but what about your uncle’s heart disease? While many inherited traits are good, others – like heart disease – aren’t. It’s important to know how your family’s history with heart disease can affect your own heart health.
If you don’t know your family’s full health history, start with your immediate family first. Find out if your siblings, parents or grandparents had or have heart disease. Share this information with your primary care provider so that they can help you develop a preventive care plan that works best for you.
Even if your family has a clean bill of health, it’s still a good idea to talk with your provider about your risks, as there are other genetic factors that may increase your risk for heart disease.
While you can’t choose your genes, you can take preventive measures to reduce your risk – like healthy eating, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco and staying on top of your numbers like blood pressure and cholesterol.
Heart health is about more than just your heart. Blood pressure, cholesterol, family history and other factors all play important roles in keeping your heart strong. If you have questions about your heart health but aren’t quite sure where to begin, start with a heart health assessment and learn more about any risks you may have for heart-related conditions. Your journey to a stronger heart starts here.
TAKE A HEART HEALTH ASSESSMENT
If you would like to speak to a provider about your heart health, Willamette Valley Medical Center can help. Click the button below to be directed to our "Find A Doctor" tool and get connected to the care you're looking for.
In the event of a heart-related emergency, call 9-1-1. Minutes matter, and acting quickly may save a life, including your own.