Genetics and Heart Disease

Dr...I do not have a real "family history of heart disease", meaning no brothers, sisters, or parents, grandparents have had it. But one of my maternal grandmother's brothers died at 57 from a "heart attack"...this was back in the early 70s so I can only assume he died of CAD...not some other heart issue.

I have always resembled this part of my family and I think I bear some resemblence to him from pictures I've seen. Am I just being paranoid or is there a chance I could have the same heart genetics as this individual? BTW....none of the other brothers or sisters have had CAD.

Thanks

[Lisa Kessler, MS, CGC]

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a complex condition caused by genetic and environmental factors.  In people with CAD, a substance called plaque (made up fat and cholesterol) builds up inside the coronary arteries and narrows them, reducing the amount blood flow to the heart.  Family history of CAD is an important risk factor to consider.  

Just because you closely resemble someone who had CAD does not place you at increased risk to develop the condition.  It sounds reassuring that your close relatives do not have a known history of CAD, but there are other lifestyle factors to consider as well.  For a complete risk assessment, you may benefit from meeting with a genetic counselor who will review a detailed family history.  You can find a genetic counselor through the National Society of Genetic Counselor’s website (NSGC).  Best wishes.