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

Dr. Miller answers the question: 'Family History Of Stroke And Heart Risk?'

By
Michael Miller, M.D., Director, Center for Preventive Cardiology, University of Maryland Medical Center
November 12, 2008, 2:10 PM ET
1 min read

— -- 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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