This question usually pops up: is heart disease hereditary? Of course, it’s a valid question, especially if you have a family history of heart-related issues. People with heart conditions in their families should know if heart disease runs in their genes. Knowing the role of genetics in heart disease can also help you manage your health better.
Parents or siblings with heart diseases elevate your risk for similar complications. This is because certain genetic factors, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, may be passed down through generations. However, some factors can cause heart disease. The way you live your life through environmental conditions and lifestyle behaviors can affect heart health despite genetic risks.
What is heart disease?
Heart disease is a medical condition that affects the heart structure. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common among them. CAD occurs when plaque buildup in the arteries blocks blood flow to the heart. This can lead to chest pain, heart attacks, or even heart failure.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports reveals that heart disease produces about 17.9 million fatal occurrences yearly. Other forms of heart disease include arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), heart valve problems, and cardiomyopathy (diseases of the heart muscle).
Is heart disease hereditary?
Yes. When we talk about heart disease, most people think that factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, or high stress levels are the things that can cause it. Even though these are among the factors, genetics is chiefly among them.
The Role of Genetics in Heart Disease
Genetics can influence your risk of developing heart disease in several ways. For example, some genetic mutations or inherited traits can predispose a person to conditions such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure. These inherited factors can increase your risk of developing regardless of your healthy life choices. Congenital hypercholesterolemia is an established gene that leads to heart disease development.
Studies indicates that familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) affects one out of 250 individuals and causes high levels of LDL cholesterol, also known as “bad cholesterol.” Without adequate treatment, FH can cause severe heart problems.
Another link is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). It is a genetic condition that causes the heart muscle to thicken, thereby increasing the possibility of arrhythmias or heart failure. HCM affects approximately 1 in 500 people globally.
Research has also indicated that specific genetic variations called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can increase susceptibility to heart disease. For example, variations in the 9p21 gene can increase a person’s chance of developing coronary artery disease.
Genetic Conditions That Increase Risk
Medical research states that certain inherited disorders raise the possibility of developing heart disease. The following list contains heart disease risk factors.
1. Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH)
This condition causes abnormally high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol from birth. Individuals with FH can have LDL cholesterol levels that are two to three times higher than normal. Failure to treat it can develop heart disease as early in their 30s or 40s.
2. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
HCM is a genetic condition that causes the heart muscle to thicken; it can obstruct blood flow and lead to arrhythmias. Many individuals with this condition do not receive any medical diagnosis until symptoms like chest pain or fainting occur.
3. Long QT Syndrome (LQTS)
The genetic disorder disrupts heart electrical operations, which results in abnormal heart rhythms called arrhythmias. The detection of LQTS helps doctors to treat this condition through medicine prescriptions and life-style adaptations.
4. Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC)
ARVC is a condition that affects the heart muscle and can lead to arrhythmias. LQTS affects young athletes most often, so screening is essential for those with a family history.
5. Marfan Syndrome
This genetic disorder affects connective tissue, and it leads to issues that may affect the heart, blood vessels, and other organs. People with Marfan syndrome develop a dangerous risk of developing serious aortic aneurysm problems.
Genetics vs. Lifestyle: Which Matters More
Genetics alone does not explain the complete picture. The connection between genes and lifestyle choices determines heart disease risk for some individuals. Those with inherited heart disease risk factors but maintain a heart-friendly lifestyle will not likely develop heart disease.
The American Heart Association highlighted that up to 80% of heart disease cases are preventable with lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting tobacco, and controlling stress levels.
Lifestyle Factors That Influence Heart Health
- Diet: A diet high in saturated fats, processed foods, and sugar can cause heart disease.
- Physical Activity: Regular exercise strengthens the heart and improves circulation.
- Smoking & Alcohol: Smoking damages blood vessels, while excessive alcohol consumption raises blood pressure.
- Stress & Sleep: Chronic stress and poor sleep can contribute to heart issues.
How to Reduce Your Risk
Even with a family history, you can lower your chances of developing heart disease.
Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet
A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains helps stop heart disease. Reduce salt and sugar intake to maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise is good for the whole body. You should do moderate exercise at least 5 times a week. Walking, jogging, swimming, and cycling can strengthen the heart.
Monitor Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
Regular health checkups can help you detect early signs of heart disease. Ensure that you check your cholesterol and blood pressure levels often.
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol
Smoking can damage your heart, so you must quit if you smoke. In addition, you should limit your alcohol consumption.
Manage Stress
Chronic stress can increase heart disease risk. Learn how to do relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness.
Get Enough Sleep
Poor sleep quality can lead to heart disease. 7-9 hours of sleep helps the body and reduces the chances of other ailments.
Read also: Can Heroin Problem Cause Heart Disease?
Genetic Testing for Heart Disease
Genetic testing requires patients to give blood or saliva through a normal blood draw procedure or saliva collection method. The sample is then analyzed for specific genetic markers linked to heart conditions. Your medical test result helps to assess the extent of your heart disease risk to enable your doctor know how best to manage the condition.
If a genetic mutation is identified, it doesn’t mean you will develop heart disease. Instead, it provides information that can help you take proactive measures to reduce your risk. For instance, knowing that you have FH may prompt your doctor to place you on cholesterol-lowering medications early.
Conclusion
When it comes to the question is heart disease is hereditary, it’s important to consider both genetics and lifestyle factors. Genetic factors boost your heart disease risk, but they do not provide the sole explanation for its development.
Lifestyle choices like exercise, diet, and stress management play a significant role in preventing heart disease. If heart disease runs in your family, you must maintain healthy lifestyle choices and get regular check-ups.
