Family history of heart diseases? Doctors say you could be next unless you do this

When it comes to heart health, most of us think of diet , exercise or stress but doctors warn that there is a silent influence often overlooked - your genes . As medicine evolves, it is becoming increasingly clear that genetics play a major role in determining who is more likely to develop heart disease and sometimes, the risk runs generations deep.

In an interview with the Times of India, Dr Haresh Mehta, Consultant - Cardiology at PD Hinduja Hospital and MRC in Khar, explained, “Genetics is one of the major factors influencing the development and progression of heart disease. A combination of family history and genetic markers determines risk for an individual.”

When the risk runs in the family

Heart conditions can pass through generations much like eye colour or height. According to Dr Mehta, arrhythmias, congenital heart defects and cardiomyopathy are among the most common inherited forms of heart disease. In contrast, complex conditions like coronary artery disease (CAD), which is the leading cause of heart attacks, develop through a mix of genetic predisposition and lifestyle choices such as diet, smoking and stress.

The landmark Framingham Heart Study found that people with a close blood relative who developed heart disease early (before 55 for men, 65 for women) face a significantly higher risk of experiencing it themselves.

The genes that matter

Certain genes have been directly linked to heart function and failure risk. Dr Mehta highlighted key genetic players:

• APOE, APOA1, ApoB - involved in cholesterol transport
• TTN and troponin genes - control cardiac muscle function
• KCNQ1 and KCNH2 - influence heart rhythm and can cause inherited arrhythmias

While these genes are universal, Dr Mehta added that “differences in lifestyle and environmental factors explain why heart disease rates vary across populations — genetics load the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger.”

The global and Indian picture

According to WHO’s Global Cardiovascular Mortality Data in 2024, heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for over 18.6 lakh deaths annually.




In India, cardiovascular diseases account for more than 28% of all deaths, with one in three heart attacks occurring before the age of 50, noted Dr Sandip Shah, Joint Managing Director at Neuberg Diagnostics.

He added, “If several family members have had heart attacks, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure at a young age, it could mean you carry certain gene changes that increase your risk. That’s where genetic testing becomes a game-changer.”

What genetic tests can reveal

Modern genetic testing can now pinpoint inherited heart conditions that were once missed until too late -

• Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH): Causes dangerously high LDL (“bad”) cholesterol from an early age. According to a 2020 study by European Heart Journal, FH accounts for ~5% of heart attacks before age 60, yet less than 10% of global cases are diagnosed.
• Cardiomyopathies: Theses are genetic mutations that weaken the heart muscle and responsible for 20% of sudden cardiac deaths in young adults, as per a 2024 report by European Heart Journal.
• Long QT Syndrome: A hereditary condition affecting the heart’s rhythm, potentially causing fainting or sudden cardiac arrest.

Who should consider genetic testing?

You should speak to a cardiologist or genetic counsellor if:

• A parent or sibling had heart disease before age 55 (men) or 65 (women).
• You have extremely high cholesterol before 40, despite healthy habits.
• You’ve had unexplained fainting, irregular heartbeat, or a heart murmur.
• A known pathogenic gene change exists in your family.

“Heart disease risk is often a mix of genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors,” Dr Shah explained. “But identifying inherited risks early allows us to intervene before symptoms develop.”

Why genes aren’t destiny

While genetic risk cannot be erased, it can be managed. “Genes do not determine one’s fate,” said Dr Mehta. “A healthy lifestyle — regular physical activity, balanced nutrition and control of blood pressure and cholesterol — still has a powerful impact.”




A 2023 research from the NIH estimates that 30–50% of heart disease risk is influenced by genetics, meaning the rest is modifiable through lifestyle. That is where prevention, awareness and early detection come in.

Your habits can still rewrite the story
Experts emphasize that a proactive lifestyle with regular exercise, healthy eating, stress control and timely health checks can significantly offset even inherited risks. As Dr Shah asserted, “Genetic testing can help identify those at higher risk early but prevention still lies in your daily choices.” In other words, if your family history puts you on the watchlist, your habits can still rewrite the story.

The next frontier in cardiology blends genetic insight with preventive care through tailoring screenings, diet plans and medication based on individual DNA profiles. Experts believe this approach could help dramatically reduce global heart disease rates in the coming decade. Until then, doctors recommend a simple mantra, “Know your family history. Get tested. Take charge.”

Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment and before changing your diet or supplement regimen.