Hereditary Heart Disease

[D. Fialkow]

Hi.  This is kind of a general question to satisfy my curiosity.  I am 29 years old and I am trying to get myself in better condition.  The reason I am doing so is because I went for a physical.  The doctor performed all kinds of tests (EKG, blood chemistry, blood pressure) all of which were normal except that my cholesterol level was around 220.  The doctor recommended exercise and dietary restrictions, but was primarily concerned because I have had a history of heart disease in my family.  Here's my question.  Both of my grandfathers had heart attacks but no one else in my family (parents, aunts, or uncles) has ever had any problems.  Both of my grandfathers smoked like chimneys.  No one else in my family smokes and I do not smoke.  I am just curious of your opinion if the smoking was the primary cause of the heart disease since nobody else has ever showed any symptoms.  I am doing the exercise and watching what I eat as I should, but a cardiologist friend of mine (I am not his patient) suggested that the concern about being "predisposed" toward heart disease might be unfounded.  Thanks, Dan.

[CCF CARDIO MD JMF]

Dear Dan,

Smoking is likely to have promoted the heart disease, but it is always important to modify those risk factors that you are able to.  continue to exercise and lower cholesterol a target LDL cholesterol for you should be below 130 given your "family hx" and being male.


Best of luck.