family history
Noun: 1. A record of the health and medical conditions of a person's blood relatives: This is a part of a personal or medical history that details the occurrence of diseases, disorders, and causes of death among close family members across generations. Its primary purpose is to identify patterns that may indicate an increased risk of hereditary or genetic conditions for the individual. 2. The background of familial relationships, experiences, or lineage in a general, non-medical context: It can also refer more broadly to the chronicle of a family's events, origins, and significant personal histories.
The term is most commonly used in healthcare, counseling, and genealogical settings. It is a standard component of a medical intake or assessment. - In a medical context, it is an uncountable noun referring to the collective information (e.g., "The doctor reviewed my family history."). - In a general context, it can be used as a countable noun (e.g., "She researched her family history.").
- Medical Context:
- A strong family history of heart disease is a significant risk factor.
- The genetic counselor asked detailed questions about my family history of cancer.
- General Context:
- He is writing a book about his family history.
- Tracing your family history can be a fascinating project.
- "Positive family history": A medical term indicating that one or more close relatives have been diagnosed with a specific condition.
- The patient has a positive family history for type 2 diabetes.
- "To take a family history": The act of a healthcare professional systematically gathering this information.
- The first step in the evaluation is to take a thorough family history.
- Medical history (n): A broader record that includes the patient's own past health, illnesses, and treatments, as well as their family history.
- Genealogy (n): The study and tracing of lines of descent or family lineages, often overlapping with the general sense of "family history."
- Pedigree (n): A chart or diagram documenting the ancestry, descent, and relationships of all members of a family, often used in genetics.
- Ancestral medical record (formal, specific to medical use)
- Lineage health background (formal)
- Genealogical record (general context)
- To run in the family: An idiom meaning a trait or condition is common among family members.
- Athletic ability seems to run in the family.
- Hereditary predisposition: A formal phrase for an increased likelihood of developing a disease based on family history.
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part of a patient's medical history in which questions are asked in an attempt to find out whether the patient has hereditary tendencies toward particular diseases
