A tendency toward heart disease or atherosclerosis seems to be hereditary. That means children of parents with heart and blood vessel diseases are more likely to develop them.
Race is also a factor.
African Americans have moderate high blood pressure twice as often as Caucasians and severe high blood pressure three times as often. As a result, their risk of heart disease and stroke is greater. A family history of diabetes , gout, high blood pressure or high blood cholesterol also increases the risk of heart disease. A family history of high blood pressure, heart disease or stroke also increases the risk of stroke. Inc. All rights reserved.