A single question regarding the presence of family history (FH) in any first-degree relative performs just as well as more complicated assessments in predicting coronary heart disease (CHD), a recent study suggests. Participants who provided FH data from July 17, 2000, through February 24, 2004, were identified. Definitions of FH were any, premature, and Familial Risk Assessment (FRA). Outcomes included CHD, stroke, peripheral artery disease, angina, and congestive heart failure. Among the details:

• Among 6,200 participants, the proportions of any FH and premature FH were 36% and 16%, respectively, and of weak, moderate, and strong familial risk were 20%, 16%, and 20%, respectively.
• Over a median follow-up of 10.1 years, 741 participants experienced a composite event.
• Compared with no FH, any FH was associated with incident CHD, angina, and composite ASCVD.
• Similar results were obtained for premature FH vs no FH and for strong vs weak FRA for these 3 outcomes.
• Compared with traditional risk factors, any FH, premature FH, and FRA all improved discrimination of composite ASCVD.