From generation to generation: what a woman's heart has to say about genetic inheritance and care

Understand how family history can influence cardiovascular health - and what you can do to protect yourself.

When it comes to women's health, the heart also needs to play a leading role. Although many people still associate heart disease with men, the truth is that it is also one of the main causes of death among women.

What's more, part of this risk may come from something you've been carrying around since birth - genetics. If heart attacks, strokes or high blood pressure are part of your family history, it's time to sound the alarm.

But take a deep breath: this doesn't mean that your future is already written. On the contrary! Knowing your family history is a powerful step towards taking better care of yourself and turning the game in your heart's favor.

 

What does your family tree have to do with your heart?

According to American Heart Association (AHA), genetic inheritance can influence both the direct onset of cardiovascular disease and the risk factors that lead to it, such as high cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes.

In other words, if your mother has had a heart attack or your father has suffered a stroke, this should be on your list of priorities during a medical consultation.

And if you don't already know your entire family history, start with the basics: ask your parents, siblings and grandparents. Knowing if (and when) people in your family have had heart problems is a great start.

 

Genetic inheritance is not a sentence: what can you do?

It's true: you don't choose the genes you inherit. But you can - and should - choose the lifestyle you lead. Small changes in everyday life have a direct effect on heart protection. And the best part: they are accessible and possible for everyone.

Here are some attitudes that make a difference:

- Balanced nutritionless ultra-processed foods, less salt and more vegetables;

- Regular physical activityeven if it's just a short daily walk;

- Quality sleep and stress managementwhich also influence heart health;

- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption;

- Keep medical examinations up to dateespecially if there is a relevant family history.

 

In addition American Heart Association created the Life's Essential 8™, a simple guide with eight steps to help improve heart health - and life as a whole. Spoiler: you can start right now, with small, real changes.

 

Biolab Together for Them

At Biolab, we believe that every woman deserves special care for her cardiovascular health. That's why we created the Biolab Together for Themis an initiative dedicated to raising awareness and promoting the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the heart diseases that most affect women. Our commitment goes beyond offering quality medicines: we seek to support the female public and inform them about heart health, ensuring that everyone has access to the knowledge they need to look after their own hearts.

After all, taking care of cardiovascular health is to look at your health as a whole. Talk to your doctor, share your family history and make your health a priority. After all, taking care of yourself is also a form of self-love.