Questions to Ask Your Parents About Heart Health

Some families find it challenging to talk about health-related topics, especially when it comes to talking about their own health problems.

At the same time, knowing your genetic history plays a strong role in how you address your overall health. If family members have had heart problems in the past or even now, understanding those risks might lead to better health in the long term.

Amanda Conliglio, MD, is an advanced heart failure cardiologist specializing in cardiovascular genetics at the Rochester Regional Health Sands-Constellation Heart Institute. She shares some questions that people can ask their parents or siblings so they have a better understanding of their heart health.

Questions to ask your family about your heart health

Have you ever been diagnosed with a cardiac condition?

Cardiac conditions may include:

• aortic aneurysm
• coronary artery disease
• abnormal heart rhythm
• heart attacks before age 55
• heart failure
• other heart-related conditions

For anyone who may have a personal history of disease or strong family history, they should consider genetic testing.

Do we have any relatives who have died suddenly?

If anyone in your family has died suddenly, knowing about the underlying causes of their death may help you understand any health concerns – especially if they died at a younger age.

Some of these sudden deaths may include:

• drowning
• car accident
• dying in their sleep

Asking about whether an autopsy was performed is important to help understand the underlying cause and whether a genetic cardiac condition may have contributed.

“Some of these may be signs that the person could have had a cardiac event leading to that problem,” Dr. Coniglio said. “There could potentially be a genetic issue that runs through families that we could do genetic testing for and better understand somebody's potential risk of disease in the future.”

Do you have a history of high blood pressure or cholesterol?

Having a major cardiac event such as cardiac arrest, heart attack, aneurysm, or other acute condition is not the only thing to ask about. Knowing about high blood pressure and cholesterol can be helpful in reducing risk earlier for adults. Some types of high cholesterol are genetic. However, it is still very important to eat a healthy diet, watch your weight, and be physically active to help reduce your risk of heart disease.

Have you ever done genetic testing?

If you or a relative have a significant family history of heart-related health conditions, genetic testing can give everyone in your family the opportunity to make informed choices about their health.

Through our Cardiovascular Genetics program at Rochester General Hospital, patients can schedule appointments on their own for an evaluation or be referred by their primary care doctor or cardiologist.

Scientists’ understanding of the field of genetics grows and changes every day, allowing us to learn about things we have inherited that increase our risk of disease. Knowing about these things sooner rather than later can have a significant impact on length of life and quality of life.

“It is easier to prevent disease than treat disease,” Dr. Coniglio said. “If you have a strong family history of a cardiac condition, we encourage you to come sooner rather than later and be proactive about your health.”

The importance of genetics for your heart

Genetics play a huge role in who we are and how healthy our heart is. If someone is genetically predisposed to heart disease or other heart-related conditions, it is important to be followed by a cardiologist to spot early signs of disease and begin treatment when indicated. We know that certain lifestyle factors such as heavy alcohol use and drug use can also increase the risk of disease.

“If you have any concerns about your family or personal history or want to get a better understanding of what your risk of disease may be, the cardiovascular genetics clinic is available for a thorough evaluation and to talk through any questions or concerns,” Dr. Coniglio said.