“My father’s passing was a wake-up call. He struggled with chest pain for years, and I learned that if a close relative like him had heart disease, I carry a family history of it” Stella recalls.
Experts confirm, if a member of your family has heart disease, you have a family history of heart disease, which can heighten your own risk. This truth weighed heavily, but it also sparked a desire to act. I found solace in Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Could faith and knowledge protect my heart?
Understanding the Risk of a Family History of Heart Disease
The CDC notes that a family history of heart disease can increase your chances of developing a heart condition, especially if it struck early in your parents’ lives (before age 55 for men or 65 for women. Yet, hope emerges; experts assure us that even with this background, we can lower our risk by consulting a doctor and embracing a healthy lifestyle. This promise lifted Stella’s spirit, echoing Isaiah 40:29: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”.
Taking Action for Your Heart
“With prayer as my foundation, I spoke to my doctor, who recommended regular check-ups and a heart-healthy diet. I began walking daily, swapped fried foods for vegetables, and managed stress with meditation and scripture”, she added. The Heart Foundation encourages that even if you have a family history, you can help lower your chances of developing heart disease by speaking to a doctor and adopting a healthy lifestyle. This guidance, paired with Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you,” gave Stella peace and purpose.
Next Steps
At Eyole Heart Nurture, we’re passionate about your spiritual and physical heart health. Take our free heart test today to start your own transformation. Share your family history with us, and let’s walk this path together.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is considered a family history of a disease?
A family history of a disease is when a close relative, like a parent or sibling, has had heart disease, as noted by the Heart Foundation. - Is heart disease inherited from the mother or the father?
It can come from either, with risk increasing if a parent had it before age 55 (men) or 65 (women), per CDC. - How do you test for a family history of heart disease?
Share your family’s heart health details with a doctor, who may suggest tests like ECGs, as recommended by NCBI. - What to do if your family has a history of heart attacks?
Consult a doctor, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and monitor risk factors, as advised by the Heart Foundation. - How to prevent heart disease with a family history?
Exercise, eat well, and manage stress, with regular check-ups to lower risk, per CDC guidance. - Which disease is called a family of diseases?
Heart disease is often linked to familial patterns, including hypertension and cholesterol issues (NCBI). - What is the family history of hypertension?
It’s when relatives have high blood pressure, increasing your risk, as noted by the Heart Foundation. - At what age do heart problems start?
They can begin early, especially with family history, often detected before 55-65, per CDC. - What genes are linked to heart disease?
Specific mutations affect cholesterol and blood pressure, contributing to risk, as explored by NCBI. - Is high cholesterol hereditary?
Yes, it can run in families, increasing heart disease risk, according to the Heart Foundation.
