Heart disease risk may be all in the family
It's not just your genes; habits and attitudes also run in the family.
Heart disease is not exactly the same in the two sexes. Women develop the condition later in life; their symptoms are often different from men's or more subtle; and they are affected more by certain risk factors, such as high levels of triglycerides (a fat in the blood). But women and men also share many risk factors for heart disease, and one of the most important is family history.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.