Family history
Family history is a record of health information about a person and his or her close relatives. A complete record includes information from three generations of relatives, including children, brothers and sisters, parents, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, grandparents, and cousins.
Families have many factors in common, including their genes, environment, and lifestyle. Looking at these factors can help to determine disease risk and possibly provide a basis for preventive measures. For example, if a family has a history of certain diseases, such as cancer or heart disease, a person may be at higher risk of developing these conditions.
Importance of Family History[edit | edit source]
Family history is important in the diagnosis and management of many diseases, including genetic disorders. It can help to identify individuals who have an increased risk of developing certain conditions, allowing for early detection or prevention.
Collecting Family History[edit | edit source]
Collecting family history involves gathering information about medical conditions, lifestyle habits, and environments that family members have been exposed to. This can be done through interviews, questionnaires, or medical records.
Using Family History[edit | edit source]
Family history can be used in many ways in healthcare. It can help to:
- Identify individuals with a higher-than-average risk of developing common disorders such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
- Detect conditions that may not yet be apparent but may be preventable or treatable.
- Identify individuals who may benefit from genetic testing.
- Provide information for genetic counseling.
Limitations of Family History[edit | edit source]
While family history is a valuable tool in healthcare, it has limitations. It may not be accurate or complete, as it relies on self-reported information. It may also not predict future health, as many factors influence disease risk.
See Also[edit | edit source]
| Family history Resources | |
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
