According to cardiologist Manohar Sakhare, at Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune (India), if there is a person in the family who has had heart disease, especially having to undergo coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) since he was young, you need to be very careful, not to be afraid but to proactively prevent it.
Dr. Sakhare said that instead of accepting genetic risk as a fate, people with a family history of heart disease should take the initiative to screen for health.
If a relative had to undergo CABG surgery at age 50, your risk of cardiovascular disease is also increased. But that doesnt mean youre going to get sick for sure and its important to know and act early, Sakhare stressed.
Family history is an important medical indicator, but not the only factor. Genetics can increase the risk of diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure or dyslipidemia. These are factors that can lead to cardiovascular disease.
However, lifestyle, stress levels, diet and exercise also play a key role in controlling risks.
Dr. Sakhare recommends that people at high risk should perform some diagnostic tests such as: ultrasound, electrocardiogram, physical examination or coronary scans...
These tests help detect early signs of blood vessel blockage, thereby providing timely treatment.
Once cardiovascular disease has been detected, treatment will depend on the severity and location of the blockage. could include a stent or coronary artery bridge (CABG) surgery.
If left behind, the blockage can lead to myocardial infarction, causing permanent damage to the heart, even sudden death.
However, the doctor also affirmed that the genetic risk can be completely controlled if the patient maintains a healthy lifestyle, does not smoke, eats in moderation and monitors blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol regularly.
Dont consider a family history of heart disease as a verdict. Consider it a warning for you to act early and protect your heart, Dr. Sakhare concluded.