I know the risk factors; genetic; high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, poor diet/overweight, lack of exercise. I am from a family of 7 children; 3 of my brothers developed diabetes/heart disease aged 40-45; 3 of my grandparents lived into late 80's and 90's disease free. My parents and my other grandparent all died young from heart disease - they all smoked.

I - in common with all my siblings have high LDL cholerserol. I have normal blood pressure, a reasonable diet, am of normal weight. I gave up cigarettes 20 years ago. However, I am being investigated for heart disease now due to chest pain.

If I am genetically disposed, how much can I influence the outcome by not smoking, eating healthily and exercising. I already walk at least 5 miles per day. If I can only have minimal influence, then I wish the research would tell me that and stop wasting my time!

I would like specific statistics only.......i don't believe the PR anymore!

Genetics can play a huge role in how your body handles/utilizes cholesterol. You are doing all the right things which will help reduce your risk factors. There is a new medication on the market for cholesterol which helps how your body deals with the cholesterol (it advertises pictures of relatives which contribute to the risk for heart disease). There are no statistics you can use because it depends on what your numbers are which your doctor then determines how much of a risk factor you have. You are not wasting your time by doing everything you possibly can to live a long, healthy life. Having a cardiologist that knows your history is also beneficial. If you stopped doing what you are currently doing, you would greatly increase your risk factors for early heart disease and I don't believe you want to go down that road so keep up the good work.