ACS Q&A – Dr. Smith: How do Genetic Factors Affect my Heart Health?

Genetic factors affect every aspect of your health. We are all (in many ways) a product of the traits we inherit from our parents.

Many heart diseases tend to run in families. For example, coronary heart disease often occurs more frequently among family members. In addition, several of the risk factors that contribute to coronary heart disease (such as high blood pressure and diabetes) also tend to run in families.

Because these conditions can be inherited, they can increase a person’s susceptibility to developing heart disease.