Nearly half of UK adults have never discussed their family medical history with their loved ones, putting them at an “increased risk of life-threatening conditions”, according to a new survey.
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The British Heart Foundation (BHF) surveyed 2,000 UK adults and found that people are reluctant for fear of “prying” into “people’s private life (18%)”, even though almost two fifths of us (37%) worry that a relative could develop a condition that runs in their family.
Discussing family medical histories could also have dramatic consequences, as 60% claim talking with their loved ones would inspire them to make positive lifestyle changes.
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Dr Mike Knapton, associate medical director at the BHF, said: “As a GP it is vital I know the details of any family history of disease when making an assessment and diagnosis with one of my patients.”
Specifically, two fifths of adults (41%) polled knew someone in their family who has a heart condition or died from cardiovascular disease, but well over half (55%) of those couldn’t name what that condition is or what it means.
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“Although you can’t change your family history, you can change your lifestyle and reduce your risk of heart disease,” Knapton encouraged.
