{"id":16723,"date":"2021-07-24T05:11:30","date_gmt":"2021-07-24T05:11:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ade-medical.z4pby1v9-liquidwebsites.com\/?p=16723"},"modified":"2022-07-05T16:36:20","modified_gmt":"2022-07-05T16:36:20","slug":"knowing-your-heart-history","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medical.andonline.com\/knowing-your-heart-history\/","title":{"rendered":"Knowing Your Heart History"},"content":{"rendered":"

Knowing Your Heart History<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/section>\n

There\u2019s a basic human instinct to know where we come from. With new technology, like genetic testing kits, we can easily find out more than ever before.<\/p>\n

This fascination with knowing our family history can have a real impact on your life and health in the present. It turns out that those lengthy family history questionnaires at the doctor’s office really have\u00a0value. When it comes to knowing your own risk for developing heart related health issues, it\u2019s all\u00a0in the family<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 literally.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n

Branch Out<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

You probably know your immediate family\u2019s health history, but getting the full picture of your genetic predispositions means going a little further out on your family tree. Ideally,\u00a0three generations<\/a>.\u00a0 This will help your doctor look for patterns or risk factors for a variety of conditions, including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and more.<\/p>\n

So who do you include? A comprehensive family history includes children, siblings, parents, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, grandparents, and cousins. It\u2019s a lot, but think of it as a good excuse to reach out, check in, or reconnect.<\/p>\n

What information should you cover? It is important to note medical conditions and their diagnosis dates (including mental health and substance abuse), pregnancy complications, and anything unusual.\u00a0 Don’t forget to record each relative’s\u00a0date of birth (and death, if applicable, as well as the cause), sex, ethnicity, and notable lifestyle habits.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n

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Beyond Genes<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

You may find out your family doesn\u2019t have the best track record when it comes to heart health.<\/p>\n

Luckily, it doesn’t mean you’re doomed.\u00a0\u00a0You can still make changes to your environment and lifestyle to lower your risk of developing the same conditions.<\/p>\n

Studies have shown that weight gain as small as\u00a0six pounds<\/a>\u00a0can significantly alter gene behavior. A negative statistic like that may sound scary, but it also means that you have some positive control over your heart health, despite what your family history may be.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n

Passing It On<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Encouraging healthy habits in the next generation can help curb any genetic predispositions you may have uncovered.<\/p>\n

Something as simple as regular exercise and a nutritious diet\u00a0can help to stave off heart disease<\/a>. Encouraging a healthy, balanced lifestyle while your kids, nieces and nephews, or grandkids are young can lead to a long, heart-healthy life.<\/p>\n

Don’t forget to pass on your medical family tree, too.\u00a0 They will thank you for putting in the hard work to document the information for the next generation!<\/p>\n

Sharing your family history with your physician is the first step to keeping your heart healthy. Together you can work out a game plan that covers everything from stress management to diet and exercise.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n