Coronary heart disease does run in families. If one or more of your blood relatives has had heart disease, your chance of developing heart disease is nearly double that of someone whose family tree is clear of heart disease. Also, you are at increased risk for developing this disease if your family member developed the disease before age 55 in men and 65 in women. However, even if no one in your family has ever had heart disease, you may still develop it. Muscular Dystrophy Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disorder affecting the muscles, especially in the extremities, pelvis and hips.
Muscular dystrophy affects only males.
However, females are carriers of this disease, which means that a healthy female can pass on the defective X-chromosome to her male children. Currently, there is no cure for muscular dystrophy, and those diagnosed with muscular dystrophy rarely reach adulthood. However, advances are being made in scientific research on the causes and cures for this disease, so there is hope for the future. Genetic counseling is also highly recommended if your family has a history of muscular dystrophy. Arthritis Arthritis is inflammation of the joints.