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New Delhi. If there is a history of diseases like diabetes, cancer, heart disease or high blood pressure in a family, then often other members of the family also get worried. The biggest question is whether someone close in the family having a disease means that it is certain that the same disease will happen in the coming generations. According to health experts, this is not necessary. Having a history of a disease in the family can increase the risk of a person, but it does not mean that Along with genetic factors, many other factors such as lifestyle, physical activity and environment also affect the risk of the disease.

The genetic link in some diseases is thought to be relatively clear. For example, in some families, there is a history of high cholesterol problem or heart attack at an early age. Such a situation should not be ignored as normal. Familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic condition in which the levels of bad cholesterol, or LDL, can be very high. Due to this, the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attack may increase at an early age. Therefore, if any member of the family has suffered a heart attack at a young age or someone close to you has persistently high bad cholesterol, then other members of the family should also consider getting themselves checked after consulting a doctor.

Family history may also be important in cancer. However, not every cancer is hereditary and having cancer in a family member does not mean that the other member will also have cancer. But certain genetic changes may increase the risk of certain types of cancer. Genetic variations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 have been found to be associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes. Similarly, Lynch syndrome is associated with an increased risk of colorectal and some other cancers. In such cases, it becomes important to share the family medical history with the doctor.

Family history of diabetes can also be an important risk factor. If parents or siblings have diabetes, then the person should be more cautious about his health. But genetic risk alone does not determine disease occurrence. Weight, diet, physical activity and everyday lifestyle can also affect risk. Therefore, instead of worrying about illness in the family, it is more important to pay attention to your health.

According to the advice of experts, if there is a history of serious illness in the family, then definitely inform the doctor about it. The doctor may recommend necessary tests or screenings, keeping in mind your age, health condition and family history. Genetic counseling may also be useful in some cases. The most important thing is that family history of the disease should not be a reason for fear, but consider it a sign to be alert in time. Many risks can be identified and controlled in time by regular health checkups, balanced diet, adequate physical activity and screening as per doctor's advice.