Your genetics might be predisposed to this condition but it doesn t mean you will get it. Your father could have had a congenital defect (something he was born with) or lived an unhealthy life style. So, you would need to work on prevention. For starters, remake your lifestyle. High blood pressure, high blood levels of lipids (LDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides), diabetes, smoking, and obesity are risk factors for coronary artery disease congestive heart failure. The prescription: If you smoke, stop or at least cut down. Exercise on most days. Get your cholesterol checked regularly, and treat high blood levels. Lose weight if you are overweight. Eat a diet low in fat, particularly trans fats. Control high blood pressure and diabetes.