The Health Report – reducing risk of heart disease despite family history

According to a Cleveland Clinic survey, most Americans know if heart disease runs in their family. However, one third of those surveyed believe there’s nothing they can do to reduce their risk if they have a family history.

But – that’s not the case.

A survey shows 40-percent of people who have lost a family member to heart disease have never been screened for the condition and that jumps to 54-percent among millennials.

A cardiologist with Cleveland Clinic says family history can be related to various factors that affect the heart and many can be modified. High cholesterol and diabetes are good examples of hereditary conditions that can be managed through diet, lifestyle and medication before they cause heart problems.

Even genetic heart issues can be identified and treated thanks to medical advancements.

If you have a family history of heart disease, you should talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk.