Family History

Families affect the health of their members by transmitting the genetic predisposition to wellness and illness. Families also model and teach health beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. Eliciting an individual's family history can identify potential [Page 447]genetic vulnerabilities to disease and lifestyle influences. Family history is particularly useful for helping health care providers be effective with individuals who have strong family patterns of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), major risk factors (dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, and tobacco use), and related factors (obesity, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and alcohol excess). The genogram (expanded genetic pedigree) is an efficient way to record and display family history data, and the genogram format can be used as a versatile patient education tool. Adding relevant cultural information to the conventional genogram might increase ...