Tiếng Việt
Discussing this topic, Dr. Pham Thu Thuy, Clinical & Interventional Cardiology Department at Hanoi French Hospital, explains: “Certain factors related to blood pressure, cholesterol metabolism, and the structure and electrical activity of the heart may be influenced by genetics. Family members also often share dietary habits, levels of physical activity and living environments. Particular attention is needed when a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, has developed coronary artery disease or had a heart attack at an early age, defined as before the age of 55 in men or 65 in women, or when several family members have cardiovascular disease.”
The role of genetics is particularly evident in several conditions:
- Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH): People with FH may have very high LDL-C levels from a young age. Prolonged exposure to high LDL-C accelerates atherosclerosis and increases the risk of premature coronary artery disease and heart attacks.
- Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a): Lp(a) levels are largely determined by genetics. Elevated Lp(a) is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The 2025 updated guidelines from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) recommend considering Lp(a) measurement at least once in every adult’s lifetime. A level above 50 mg/dL is considered relevant when assessing cardiovascular risk.
- Cardiomyopathies and certain inherited heart rhythm disorders: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, some forms of dilated cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy and Brugada syndrome may run in families. Depending on the condition, patients may experience palpitations, fainting, abnormal heart rhythms, heart failure or sudden cardiac death.
Before a cardiovascular consultation, everyone should therefore try to understand their family medical history: which relatives were affected, what condition they had and how old they were when it developed. By combining this information with the patient’s clinical findings and personal medical history, the doctor can determine whether further specialized assessment is appropriate.
Dr. Thuy also notes that family history is a risk factor that cannot be changed. However, knowing your family history enables you to assess your risk proactively and begin preventing cardiovascular disease earlier.
People with a significant family history should have their blood pressure, blood lipids and blood glucose checked and consult a doctor to determine whether further assessment is needed. In particular, if a family member has had premature coronary artery disease, very high cholesterol, cardiomyopathy, an inherited heart rhythm disorder or unexplained sudden death at a young age, the doctor may recommend appropriate specialized investigations.
In addition, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, managing body weight, and properly treating high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipid levels or diabetes can help control modifiable risk factors. This, in turn, reduces the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular events.
To receive advice or make an appointment with an HFH cardiologist, please contact our HOTLINE at 024.35771100 or send us a message via the “Hanoi French Hospital” Facebook page or WhatsApp: +84 903 497 078.
