Family History and Heart Health Understanding Your Risk
Heart health can be influenced by more than your daily habits. Your age, family history and existing health conditions can also play a part.
You may feel well and still have risk factors worth discussing with your doctor. Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions about your health.
Preventative cardiology focuses on assessing cardiovascular risk factors and discussing suitable steps for your individual needs. At Heartlink Cardiology, this is part of a cardiology consultation, rather than a single scan or procedure.
Learn more about
Preventative Cardiology at Heartlink.
Does Heart Disease Run in Families?
Family history can be an important part of understanding your heart health.
If a close family member has had heart disease, particularly at a younger age, it may be useful to tell your GP.
Your doctor may ask about:
- Which family members have had heart disease
- The type of heart condition they experienced
- Their age when it was diagnosed
- Whether more than one family member has been affected
- Any known inherited health conditions
Having a family history of heart disease does not mean you will develop it. It is one part of your overall risk assessment.
Your GP or cardiologist can consider this information alongside other factors.
Why Can Heart Risk Be Hard to Notice?
Some cardiovascular risk factors do not cause obvious symptoms.
For example, high blood pressure and high cholesterol may not make you feel unwell.
This means that how you feel is not always enough to understand your cardiovascular risk.
A health review may help identify factors that need monitoring or further discussion.
The type of assessment you need depends on your medical history, age, symptoms and other individual factors.
Five Factors That Can Affect Your Heart Risk
Preventative cardiology looks at several factors together. Here are five that may be discussed during a heart health review.
1. Blood Pressure
Blood pressure measures the force of blood against the walls of your arteries.
High blood pressure can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease over time.
Your GP may check your blood pressure during a health appointment. If it is higher than expected, they may recommend further measurements or discuss management options.
A single reading does not always give the full picture.
2. Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a type of fat found in your blood.
Your body needs some cholesterol, but certain cholesterol levels can be linked with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
A blood test can help your doctor understand your cholesterol levels.
Your doctor may consider these results alongside your age, family history, blood pressure and other health factors.
3. Diabetes
Diabetes can affect blood vessels and is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
If you have diabetes, your GP may discuss how your blood glucose levels and other risk factors are being managed.
If you are at risk of diabetes, your doctor can advise whether testing is appropriate.
4. Smoking
Smoking is a recognised risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
If you smoke, you can talk with your GP about support for quitting.
Your doctor can discuss options that may suit your health and circumstances.
5. Physical Activity
Regular movement is one part of looking after your overall health.
The type and amount of activity that is suitable can vary from person to person.
If you have existing heart concerns, symptoms during exercise or a medical condition, ask your healthcare professional what level of activity is appropriate for you.
What Is a Cardiovascular Risk Assessment?
A cardiovascular risk assessment considers several factors to estimate a person's chance of developing cardiovascular disease over a set period.
Your GP may use a recognised risk calculator where appropriate. The assessment may include information such as:
- Age
- Blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Smoking status
- Diabetes
- Family history
- Existing medical conditions
A risk estimate is not a diagnosis and cannot predict exactly what will happen to one person.
It is one tool that may help your healthcare professional discuss your heart health and possible next steps.
What Happens During a Preventative Cardiology Consultation?
A preventative cardiology consultation is an opportunity to discuss your cardiovascular health with a cardiologist.
Your appointment may include a review of your:
Medical History
Your cardiologist may ask about existing conditions, medicines, previous investigations and any symptoms you have noticed.
Family History
You may be asked whether close family members have had heart disease or related conditions.
Risk Factors
Your cardiologist may review factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and smoking.
Previous Test Results
If you have had previous blood tests or heart investigations, these may help provide more information.
Depending on your individual assessment, your cardiologist may discuss monitoring, lifestyle factors or further testing where clinically appropriate.
Do You Need a Heart Scan if You Have Risk Factors?
Not necessarily.
Having high cholesterol, diabetes or a family history of heart disease does not automatically mean you need a heart scan.
Your doctor will consider your overall health and whether a test is likely to provide useful information for your clinical care.
Different tests provide different information.
For example:
- An echocardiogram uses ultrasound to assess the heart's structure and function.
- A CT Coronary Angiogram creates detailed images of the coronary arteries.
- A Coronary Artery Calcium Score looks for calcium deposits in the coronary arteries.
These tests are not interchangeable, and they are not required for everyone.
Your cardiologist can explain whether further testing is appropriate for you.
Understanding Your Follow Up Plan
A heart health review may lead to different recommendations for different people.
Depending on your individual risk factors and clinical findings, your doctor may discuss:
- Monitoring blood pressure or cholesterol.
- Reviewing existing medicines.
- Discussing lifestyle factors.
- Arranging further investigations if needed.
- Planning a follow up appointment.
There is no single follow up plan that suits everyone.
If your doctor recommends monitoring or further testing, ask what it is intended to assess and when you should return for review.
When Should You Speak With Your GP?
You may wish to discuss your heart health with your GP if:
- A close family member has had heart disease.
- You have high blood pressure or cholesterol.
- You have diabetes.
- You smoke or have previously smoked.
- You have questions about your cardiovascular risk.
- You have been advised to see a cardiologist.
Your GP can review your circumstances and determine whether a referral is suitable.
If you develop new or ongoing symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, palpitations or dizziness, seek medical advice.
If you experience severe chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, collapse or another medical emergency, call 000.
Preventative Cardiology at Heartlink Cardiology
Heartlink Cardiology provides cardiology consultations and diagnostic testing in Springfield Central and Greater Brisbane.
Preventative cardiology at Heartlink involves reviewing cardiovascular risk factors and discussing appropriate next steps based on your individual circumstances.
A GP referral is required for a cardiology consultation. You can read more about the process on the Cardiology Consultation page.
If you would like to understand the service, visit the Preventative Cardiology page.
You can also visit the Heartlink Cardiology home page for information about its services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can heart disease run in families?
Family history can be one factor linked with cardiovascular risk. It does not mean you will definitely develop heart disease. Tell your GP about relevant family history so it can be considered during your assessment.
Can I have high blood pressure without knowing it?
Yes. High blood pressure may not cause noticeable symptoms. Your GP can advise whether blood pressure checks or further monitoring are appropriate.
Does high cholesterol always cause symptoms?
High cholesterol usually does not cause obvious symptoms. A blood test can help your doctor assess your cholesterol levels.
Does everyone need preventative cardiology?
No. The need for a specialist consultation depends on your health, risk factors and clinical circumstances. Your GP can discuss whether a referral is appropriate.
Will I need a heart scan during my consultation?
Not necessarily. Your cardiologist will consider your individual assessment and recommend further investigations only when they are clinically appropriate.
