$Unique_ID{BRK00160}
$Pretitle{Circulatory System}
$Title{Can You Inherit Heart Disease?}
$Subject{coronary heart inherited genetic}
$Volume{G-3}
$Log{
Figure*0009301.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Can You Inherit Heart Disease?


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QUESTION:  With both a father and a younger brother who have suffered heart
attacks, I am now worried that I may have inherited bad genes that will soon
make me a victim as well.  Is this possible, and what can I do about my
problem?

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ANSWER:  I wish I could reduce some of the anxiety and stress that comes
through in your letter.  That would be an important first step in the list of
"things to do".  The news may not be as bad as it appears.  It is true that
heart disease is know to cluster in certain families, particularly where the
disease occurs before the age of 55.  But the results are not all in as yet as
to whether or not that represents a true inherited gene, or whether common
environmental risk factors play an important part.  However, in families where
there are two or more relatives with coronary heart disease, your statistical
risk is 3 to 6 times higher than the general population.  That means you must
pay careful attention to those risk factors that you can modify or diminish.
Those include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, over weight, high blood
sugar, and smoking.  While there is nothing you can do about your age and sex,
or your family ties, you are a candidate for a thorough medical examination,
to determine the exact value and nature of these possible risk factors.  You
must then dedicate the effort necessary to bring them into line, and don't be
satisfied with high normal.  The closer you come to attaining absolute normal,
the less are your chances of suffering a heart attack.  Its not your family
history that provokes the disease, its the effects of these major risk factors
that does the job.  While scientists debate the role of inheritance (about
which you can do nothing) you have an important role in influencing you own
health.  Good luck.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
