Heart health guide
Heart disease in your family
If a parent or sibling had a heart attack at a young age, write down what happened and how old they were. Bring that history and any recent lab results to a prevention visit.
What counts as a premature family history?
In guideline-based assessment, an event in a first-degree male relative before age 55 or female relative before age 65 is generally considered premature. A father who had a heart attack at 52 fits that pattern.
Is a basic lipid panel enough?
It is a starting point. Ask about a one-time Lp(a) test and whether ApoB would add information. Bring recent blood pressure readings and ask how your overall risk affects treatment decisions.
What if my doctor will not order the test?
Ask what would change based on the result and whether insurance covers it. A second discussion with a preventive cardiology or lipid clinic may help when the family history is strong. If you self-order, ask who will review the result with you.