Skip to content

    Know the Family Pattern

    Unknown is information toonot a failure.

    Family history can help open a prevention conversation. It cannot diagnose you or predict exactly what will happen.

    What to gather

    Write down what you know about both sides of the family, including:

    • Heart attack, stroke, sudden cardiac death, or peripheral artery disease
    • High cholesterol, familial hypercholesterolemia, or known Lp(a)
    • The relative's relationship to you
    • Approximate age at diagnosis, event, or death
    • Known procedures, treatments, or genetic findings
    • What remains uncertain or unknown

    Why the pattern matters

    A pattern can help a qualified clinician decide which questions, measurements, or evaluations may be appropriate. The Foundation does not turn family history into a score, label, or recommendation.

    Start the conversation summary

    Our browser-based tool creates a user-controlled summary that you can review, print, download, and choose to share. Nothing is submitted to The Legacy Foundation through the form.

    Open the family history tool

    Sources and limitations

    Start with evidence. Keep the claims precise.

    CDC: Familial hypercholesterolemia ↗CDC: Cascade testing ↗

    Legacy Heart Health Initiative is a cardiovascular health, prevention, and early-action program in development. This page is not medical advice and does not replace a qualified clinician. If you may be experiencing an emergency, contact local emergency services rather than using this site.