A significant family history of heart disease — particularly premature coronary artery disease or sudden cardiac death — is an important indicator of personal risk. Our screening packages identify inherited conditions and quantify your cardiovascular risk.
Your family history plays a crucial role in cardiovascular risk. Heart disease is influenced by both genetic factors and lifestyle, so knowing your family background helps identify those at higher risk. Having a first-degree relative (parent, sibling) who had a heart attack, bypass surgery, or died suddenly of an unexplained cardiac cause before age 60 significantly increases your personal risk.
A genetic disorder causing very high LDL cholesterol from birth. Affects approximately 1 in 250 people in the UK — greatly increasing the risk of early heart attacks, often before age 50. Early identification allows preventive measures including lifestyle changes and cholesterol-lowering medication.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) causes thickening of the heart muscle, which can trigger arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death even in young athletes. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) causes enlargement of the heart chambers, reducing pumping efficiency. First-degree relatives of patients with HCM should receive echocardiographic screening.
Conditions such as Long QT syndrome or Brugada syndrome can increase the risk of life-threatening heart rhythms. Family screening is essential to identify affected individuals before symptoms appear.
⚠️ High-risk family history indicators:
Heart attack under age 60, sudden unexplained death under age 50, multiple relatives on one side with heart disease, diagnosed FH, known HCM, or inherited arrhythmia syndromes (Long QT, Brugada). Even if you feel healthy, early screening can be life-saving.
Call 999 immediately if you suspect a heart attack.
Everything you need to know about Family History FAQs and how private cardiac assessment works.
Yes. Some cardiovascular conditions have a strong genetic component and may increase the risk of heart disease in close relatives.
Genetic heart conditions may include familial hypercholesterolaemia, hypertrophic or dilated cardiomyopathy, or inherited arrhythmia syndromes such as Long QT or Brugada syndrome.
Yes. Early screening helps identify risk factors and allows preventative treatment to reduce future cardiovascular risk, even if you have no current symptoms.
