15 Things You Can Do to Avoid a Heart Attack
14. Know Your Family History
Having a close relative with heart disease places you at greater risk of developing the condition yourself. The risk is greatest if the relative happens to be a parent or sibling. You should take the time to learn your family’s heart health history by talking with your relatives. If you have a strong family history of heart disease, stroke, or sudden cardiac death, you should share that information with your physician. You doctor can then recommend measures designed to mitigate your likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease, such as earlier screenings, appropriate medications, and healthy lifestyle habits. While you cannot change genetics, you can focus on the factors within your control that are often the biggest contributors to developing heart disease.