From the Guidelines
Family history of cardiovascular disease is a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD), with a risk ratio ranging from 1.5 to 1.7, and should be assessed in all patients, particularly those with a first-degree relative diagnosed with CHD before the age of 55 in men and 65 in women. When evaluating a family history of M, it is essential to consider the degree of relation, with first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, and children) and second-degree relatives (grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews) being of particular interest 1. The risk of CHD increases with a positive history in a first-degree relative, in a second-degree relative, or in a third-degree relative, as well as with the number of family members with CHD and the younger age at which family members develop CHD 1. A comprehensive family history should include the age of onset of conditions, cause and age of death for deceased relatives, and ethnic background, as certain conditions are more common in specific populations. Healthcare providers should use this information to assess a person's risk for developing certain conditions, determine appropriate screening tests, make more accurate diagnoses, and develop personalized prevention strategies, including lifestyle advice and therapeutic management of risk factors 1. Patients should update their family history regularly as new information becomes available about relatives' health conditions. Key conditions to focus on when collecting a family history include heart disease, diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure, stroke, mental health disorders, and genetic disorders. By prioritizing the collection and assessment of family history, healthcare providers can better prevent and manage cardiovascular disease, ultimately reducing morbidity, mortality, and improving quality of life.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Family History of Cardiovascular Disease
- A family history of cardiovascular disease can increase an individual's risk of developing the condition 2
- Genetic factors can contribute to the variability in response to statin therapy, which is commonly used to lower cholesterol levels and prevent cardiovascular disease 3
- Research has shown that genetic testing can inform treatment decisions and improve outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease 2
Genetic Determinants of Cardiovascular Disease
- Genetic variants can affect an individual's response to statins and other cholesterol-lowering medications 3, 4, 5
- Certain genetic variants can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, while others may provide protection 4
- Genome-wide association studies have identified novel candidate SNPs associated with response to statin drugs 5
Importance of Genetic Information
- Genetic information can help identify individuals who are at high risk of cardiovascular disease and may benefit from early intervention 2
- Genetic testing can inform treatment decisions and improve outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease 2
- Understanding the genetic determinants of cardiovascular disease can help develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies 3, 6, 4, 5
Statin Therapy and Cardiovascular Disease
- Statins are commonly used to lower cholesterol levels and prevent cardiovascular disease 3, 6, 4, 5
- Statins have been shown to have pleiotropic effects, including improving endothelial function and reducing inflammation 6
- The clinical benefit of lowering LDL-C levels may depend on the corresponding reduction in apoB-containing lipoprotein particles 4