Do I Have a Genetic Risk for Heart Disease?

Genetics influences much of who you are – even in ways you may not expect. Traits from eye color to hand mannerisms and freckles are tied to your DNA.

Hereditary traits are also closely linked to health risks for certain health conditions, including heart disease. With millions of Americans already at risk for heart disease, knowing about your genetic risk for heart disease can help you start taking preventive action early.

We explore what puts you at risk for heart disease, how to determine if your genetics put you at an increased risk of developing heart disease, and how to prevent heart disease.

Risk factors for heart disease

There is a combination of factors in your life that can influence how likely you are to develop certain health conditions, both factors you can change (modifiable) and ones that cannot be changed (non-modifiable).

For heart disease, modifiable risk factors include:

• diet with too much salt and red meat
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• lack of physical activity
• obesity
• smoking

Non-modifiable risk factors for heart disease include:

• age
• family history/genetics
• race and ethnicity
• sex

Understanding the risk factors you can control can reduce your risk for developing heart disease when you take action to prevent them.

Genetic testing for heart disease

Adults who know they have a family or personal history of heart problems are encouraged to undergo genetic testing for heart disease. This is especially true for people who have:

• abnormal structures of the heart
• aortic diseases
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol
• heart failure
• heart valve abnormalities
• irregular heartbeat

By undergoing genetic testing, patients are able to identify whether their own risk – and the risk for family members – is inherently higher for certain health conditions, which allows them to take action to reduce their risk of developing those conditions early.

Programs like the Comprehensive Cardiovascular Genetics Program at Rochester Regional Health’s Sands-Constellation Heart Institute identify the level of risk for each patient through a thorough, personalized evaluation of your heart's genetic profile.

DNA screening programs such as GenoWell offer testing for hereditary high cholesterol (also known as familial hypercholesterolemia) and a follow-up appointment to discuss your personal risk level, along with steps you can take to prevent disease.

Each patient will undergo a blood draw, followed by a follow-up visit in 4-6 weeks after test results come in. Additional appointments or referrals are made as needed based on the results.

Genetic testing should be repeated every 5-10 years because updated research includes new genes that are associated with various diseases.

Preventing heart disease

Changing small things in your daily life to reduce the risk of developing heart disease is one of the best steps you can take. Not only does it cut down on the possibility of heart disease affecting your life down the road, but other diseases and chronic health conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and lung disease.

Changes that you can make include

• quitting smoking
• eating more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
• eating less red meat and processed food
• moving your body more often
• drinking more water

Depending on your overall health risk, your primary care provider may advise you to start taking prescription medication to reduce chronic high blood pressure or cholesterol.