We can blame heredity for a lot of things, including heart disease. A new study shows there isn’t just a connection between parents and their children, there is also a connection between siblings.
The brother/sister connection
If any sibling, brother or sister, suffers a heart attack, or chest pain from blocked arteries, the chances of any healthy siblings developing similar problems rises within 10 years by 20 percent according to researchers at Johns Hopkins.
The younger the sibling is that ends up with heart problems, the more likely it is for other siblings to battle the same problems.
A warning sign
Researchers believe this new finding could serve as a warning sign for families.
“Brothers and sisters in families with a history of heart disease really need to monitor their health more closely and in consultation with their physician, and consider if drug therapy and better diet, exercise and lifestyle habits are needed,” says senior study investigator Diane Becker, M.P.H., Sc.D.
A potential test
Becker adds that, eventually, a genetic blood test to assess sibling risk in families with a history of heart disease could reduce that risk by encouraging earlier lifestyle and drug interventions.
“If we can crack this code, then we hope to develop a blood test for identifying families at risk long before any symptoms manifest themselves,” she says.
In the meantime, she encourages anyone with a history of heart problems to live a healthy lifestyle. A well balanced diet and exercise will improve overall health and lead to fewer medical complications, including heart disease.
More information needed
Right now the study shows there is a connection between siblings, but not what the connection is. Uncovering what that connection is and what can be done about it, will be the next step of the research.
