Families of patients with premature coronary heart disease: an obvious but neglected target for primary prevention.

The article presents a review of research which indicates that first degree relatives of patients with premature coronary heart disease are at increased risk of the disease, and that compared with the general population, siblings of the patients have at least double the risk. Arguments are presented which suggest that first degree relatives of patients admitted for premature myocardial infarction should be identified and then offered screening and treatment for risk factors of coronary heart disease.