Family history of premature cardiac heart disease: exploring the experience

Evidence confirms that a family history of coronary heart disease is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease. Having a close family relative diagnosed with heart disease has lasting implications and repercussions for the family. This qualitative study aimed to explore the issues and challenges that people face when aclose relative is diagnosed with heart disease and their own future risk for developing heart disease subsequently increases. Using narrative enquiry, participants told their stories associated with this event. They spoke about the period leading up to the diagnosis and what happened during this acute phase; they described the processof coming to terms with this diagnosis and how it has affected them and their family. This study shows how awareness of key issues associated with this group of people may have the potential to enhance preventive strategies