Family history of CVD modifies future CVD risk depending on the number and age of affected first-degree relatives. Siblings of patients with CVD have about a 40% risk increase, while offspring of parents with premature CVD have a 60% to 75% risk increase. Consistent definitions of premature CVD would allow a better estimate of the true attributable risk. Family history of heart disease definitely factors into your story And it’s something you (and your doctors) should consider when determining your risk for heart disease. Family history isn’t the only character in this tale, though. When people talk about heart disease, they’re usually referring to coronary artery disease. It’s the most common type of heart disease and causes more than 370,000 deaths in the U.S. each year. Coronary artery disease begins when plaque builds up on the walls of the arteries that feed the heart. As the arteries get narrower, blood has a harder time sneaking through. This can lead to heart attack or stroke.