Family history of premature coronary heart disease: Discussing the evidence

People with a premature family history of coronary heart disease have an increased cardiovascular risk. The National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease, and the current Joint British Societies Guidelines both stipulate that these people should be targeted for preventative health care measures. This article discusses the key studies associated with a positive premature family history of coronary heart disease. The historical evidence that supports the theory that family history is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease are presented. The mechanism for this risk factor is explored and the preventive studies that have been conducted to address the problem are identified. The implications of the findings of these studies, on a population and individual level, are discussed.