As a family, we share happiness, difficult times and the myriad of other aspects of life! However, we also share genes, behavioral and lifestyle traits which are not just restricted to the present generation. Through our ancestors and to our future generations, genetic material is passed between families-so are many diseases that exist among them! We are well aware of families being affected with diabetes, heart disease, some cancers, arthritis etc.

Incidences of heart disease especially, is on the rise, and the alarming fact is that young individuals are now prone to conditions such as high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia and coronary atherosclerosis. These diseases could be attributed to the similar environment we share along with sedentary/ unhealthy lifestyle choices that play a major modifying role in the occurrence of heart disease. The risk of acquiring heart disease increases if one or both parents suffer from the condition. We have heard of individuals as young as 30 years of age die of sudden heart attack or showing signs of abnormal heart rhythms, fatigue, fainting episodes etc. While we may not be able to change or control the genetic make-up of an individual to prevent heart disease (or other inherited conditions), we may be able to modify the environmental and lifestyle related factors.