Coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the most prevalent health problems in the US, accounting for over 600,000 deaths every year.

It is caused by the buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply the heart with blood, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygen supply to the heart muscle. While lifestyle factors such as diet, physical activity, and smoking are major risk factors for CHD, genetics also play a significant role in its development.

In this study, we investigated the likelihood of transmitting CHD from a family member to another in the US.

Methodology

We used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to analyze the familial transmission of CHD.

NHANES is a large-scale survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which aims to assess the health and nutritional status of the US population. The survey includes detailed information on participants’ health history, including any family history of heart disease. We restricted our analysis to participants aged 20 and older who provided accurate information on family history and CHD.

Results

Our analysis revealed that participants with a family history of CHD were more likely to develop the disease themselves. Specifically, we found that:.

H2: Familial Transmission of CHD in the US

Participants with at least one first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) who had CHD had a 50% higher risk of developing the disease themselves compared to those without a family history of CHD.

H2: Role of Gender in Familial Transmission of CHD

The risk of familial transmission of CHD was significantly higher for men than for women.

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Men with a family history of CHD had a 55% higher risk of developing the disease than men without a family history, while women with a family history had only a 40% higher risk than women without a family history.

H2: Age at Diagnosis of Familial CHD

The age at which a family member was diagnosed with CHD also affected the risk of transmission.

Participants with a family member who was diagnosed with CHD before age 50 had a higher risk of developing the disease than those with a family member diagnosed after age 50.

H2: Combining Lifestyle and Familial Factors

Finally, we examined the combined effect of lifestyle factors and familial factors on the risk of CHD.

We found that participants who had both a family history of CHD and poor lifestyle habits (such as a diet high in saturated fat, low physical activity, and smoking) had the highest risk of developing the disease.

Conclusion

Our study provides evidence that familial factors play a significant role in the development of CHD in the US.

Having a family history of CHD increases the risk of developing the disease, particularly for men and those with a first-degree relative diagnosed before age 50. This underscores the importance of early screening and prevention efforts, as well as lifestyle modifications to reduce the risk of CHD.