Re: FAMILY HISTORY

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - MTR on December 31, 1998 at 11:27:09:

In Reply to: FAMILY HISTORY posted by JILL NAGEL on December 29, 1998 at 11:31:27:






MY FATHER DIED FROM HEART DISEASE AT 42 I'M 35 AND SMOKE TWO PACKS DAY
WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF DEVOLOPING HEART DISEASE???



  
Dear Jill, thank you for your question.  The risk factors for coronary disease are a positive family history of coronary disease, smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure.  Thus, you do have a risk of developing coronary disease, but I can't quote you actual percentages.  I strongly urge you to quit smoking immediately, have your cholesterol level checked by your physician, and practice a "heart-healthy" lifestyle which includes a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet and daily aerobic exercise.  
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.