Even if we have a family member affected by heart disease or stroke, it appears not many of us give that information to our doctors.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation has launched their annual holiday campaign and are touting the help of genetic research in predicting who may be at risk.

They say that half of Canadians are aware of a family member with history of heart disease or stroke, but over a third don't tell their doctors.

Moose Jaw cardiologist Dr. Wadea Tarhuni says the patient bears some responsibility to share that information.

"The patient should discuss that they do have a family history of heart disease or stroke. The physician should ask, but if they don't, the patient needs to mention it."

Dr. Tarhuni says the Heart and Stroke foundation website has an online tool that can help determine if you are at risk.