At what age is a mother or sister considered high risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) history?

A mother or sister is considered at high risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) if she has a history of CAD at an age before 65. This benchmark is based on the understanding that early onset of CAD in female relatives is a significant risk factor for the development of heart disease in other family members.

Coronary artery disease tends to develop later in women compared to men, with many women experiencing onset after menopause. Therefore, identifying a family history of CAD before the age of 65 helps guide further cardiovascular risk assessment and management strategies. Early identification of risk factors can lead to initiatives aimed at prevention, such as lifestyle modification and medical management, ultimately helping to mitigate the risk of CAD in those assessed.

Recognizing this threshold at 65 is crucial, as it allows for earlier intervention in women who may be genetically predisposed to develop cardiac conditions, increasing the potential for preventive care.