The Effect of Parental Medical History on the Prevalence of Cerebrovascular Diseases in Their Children in an Iranian Population

INTRODUCTION: Still a controversial issue, family history is known as a risk factor for the development of Cerebrovascular Diseases (CVD). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between parental history and risk of CVD in their offspring in Iranian population. METHODS: Isfahan Cohort Study (ICS) included total 6504 healthy participants which were randomly selected through a two-stage cluster sampling method from three districts. The participants were followed prospectively for 10 years. The diagnosis of CVD were confirmed by expert panelist. Clinically validated history of CVD was established for definition of parental history of CVD. Types of history were categorized into paternal, maternal, both parents, and no history. RESULTS: The prevalence of CVD is generally higher among female offspring compared with male ones (P<0.001). The relative risk of CVD with maternal history was not significant (95%CI=0.95–2.29). By adjusted model analysis, history of CVD in both parents affected the risk of CVD in their male children (RR=2.13, P=0.033, 95%CI). By crude model analysis, maternal history of CVD (P=0.047), history of CVD in both parents (P=0.032), and maternal history of hypertension (P=0.005) were determined as risk factors of CVD in offspring. Indeed, the mean age of CVD in offspring decreases based on this order: history of hypertension in parents, paternal history of CVD in both parents, maternal history of CVD, and no history (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Early and regular screening for CVD development is necessary in female offspring of the families with the present history of CVD from maternal side. This group are at risk and should be considered as the target group for screening and taking preventive measures.