Dos And Don'ts If Heart Disease Runs In Your Family

Most people associate heart disease with old people and those who live precariously by consuming too much alcohol and smoking. However, often people can inherit heart problems. As per a 2019 study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, genetic factors can be responsible for over 30% of heart disease risk.

This is not a small number, especially considering that cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in India. So, if you have anyone amongst your close relatives who has or had heart disease, then here are some dos and don’ts for you:

What to do when heart diseases run in your family:

1. Know your family’s health historyThe first and most important thing is to know the details of what type of heart-related issues your relatives have. Many heart diseases like long QT syndrome, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia can be inherited. If you know that your relatives have suffered from some of the genetic heart diseases then your diagnosis can become easy.
2. Get genetic testsThere are genetic tests that can show if you have the gene that causes heart diseases like cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias. These genetic tests just require a sample of your blood or saliva to detect the gene mutations responsible for those disorders. Doctors can recommend genetic testing if you show symptoms of inherited heart disease or if you have a family history of those heart conditions.
3. Healthy dietA healthy diet is important for maintaining good heart health. Include plenty of vegetables and whole grains in your diet. Add micronutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin B9 to your diet. Having antioxidant-rich food like dark chocolate, green tea, beans, and citrus fruits also helps with heart health.
4. ExerciseRegular exercise is very effective in cutting down the risks of inherited heart disease. Many studies have shown that people who are more physically active are less likely to get heart attack or stroke, even if they have a genetic risk for heart disease.
5. Get enough good-quality sleepMake sure you are getting at least seven to eight hours of good uninterrupted sleep every day. People who lack good sleep suffer from issues like high blood pressure and obesity which can in turn worsen their heart conditions. Snoring too much or having trouble sleeping can be a sign of underlying heart conditions.

What not to do when heart diseases run in your family:

1. Drink regular alcoholAs per the British Heart Foundation, “there is a very clear link between regularly drinking too much alcohol and having high blood pressure.” Over time hypertension, exacerbated by alcohol, can develop into cardiovascular disease.
2. SmokingCigarette smoke is known to have chemicals that can weaken one’s blood vessels. In the long term, this can lead to heart diseases like atherosclerosis, or plaque buildup in your arteries.
3. Ignore symptoms or miss regular checkupsIf you have a family history of heart disease then do not ignore symptoms like chest pain, excessive fatigue, high blood pressure, or shortness of breath. Go to regular health checkups that can help with early screening of heart diseases and make its treatment and management easy.
4. Lead a sedentary lifestyleIf you lead a sedentary lifestyle then you can develop lifestyle diseases like hypertension and obesity. These can in turn increase the risk of developing a heart problem or worsening any inherited heart health issue. Try to incorporate movement into your daily routine.
5. Underestimate the importance of a healthy dietAvoid food with extra added sugar like ice creams and processed food. Limit your sodium intake and cut down on red meat. Make sure you are drinking at least one litre of water every day.