How Does A Family History Of Stroke Affect My Risk Of Developing Heart Disease?

— -- Question: How does a family history of stroke affect my risk of developing heart disease?

Answer: Having a stroke may affect the risk for developing heart disease in that some of the same risk factors associated with stroke also influence heart disease risk. And those risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cigarette smoking, and to an extent, diabetes. And so if you have those risk factors, and you've had a stroke, then you also are at increased risk for the development of heart disease and heart attacks.

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