Medical Edge Newspaper Column

Family Health History Can Help Identify Potential Health Risks

May 30, 2008
Readers:
Compiling a family health history can help identify potential health risks. The information can help you take steps to reduce the risk of illness or to detect conditions early. And your physician can review the history to identify patterns and potential concerns.

But keep in mind that a family history doesn't equal destiny. Other risk factors — such as diet, exercise and smoking — can play a role in promoting the development of many hereditary diseases. A healthy lifestyle and minimal exposure to harmful substances such as alcohol and tobacco can greatly improve the chances of staying disease free.

If possible, a family health history should go back three to four generations and include grandparents, parents, sisters and brothers, children and grandchildren, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins. Each entry should include:

• The date of birth and, if the relative has died, the age and cause of death.
• Major medical conditions and illnesses. Diseases or problems that occur earlier than what is typical can indicate a heightened risk for other family members.
• Mental health disorders. Mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, chemical dependency and schizophrenia are thought to be linked to heredity.
• Other health problems that affect overall health, such as allergies, asthma or migraine headaches.
• Significant lifestyle factors that can influence health, such as smoking, excessive drinking or alcoholism, or obesity.
• Vision or hearing loss, and their age of onset. A family history of macular degeneration or glaucoma can increase the risk of these conditions.
• Racial or ethnic background. Some diseases or conditions are more common or more severe among certain ethnic groups.
• Infertility or miscarriages.
• Birth defects, learning disabilities or mental retardation.

To help you get started, the U.S. Surgeon General's office offers a free online tool to organize family health information at https://familyhistory.hhs.gov.