Track hereditary conditions across three generations using medical quadrant notation. The Williams family genogram shows how heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and depression patterns are identified for genetic risk assessment.
A medical genogram (sometimes called a health genogram or genetic pedigree) is a specialized version of the family genogram that focuses on tracking health conditions and causes of death across generations. It is a critical tool in genetic counseling, primary care, oncology, and cardiology for assessing hereditary risk.
The Williams family genogram uses medical quadrant notation, where each person's symbol is divided into four sections representing different condition categories. A filled quadrant indicates the person has or had that condition. This allows clinicians to scan the genogram and immediately identify which conditions cluster in the family and which generation-three members are at elevated risk.
Heart Disease / Cardiovascular
Diabetes / Metabolic
Cancer
Mental Health
Each person's genogram symbol is divided into four quadrants. A filled (shaded) quadrant indicates the person has or had the corresponding condition category.
Three generations of the Williams family showing hereditary conditions, age of onset, and causes of death for comprehensive genetic risk assessment.
Deceased at 68
Cause of death: Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
Age 82
Deceased at 75
Cause of death: Ischemic stroke
Age 79
Age 52
Age 49
Age 48
Age 46
Age 24
Age 21
Age 18
Age 15
Heart disease and hypertension appear in George (Gen 1), both his sons Richard and Thomas (Gen 2). James and Mark (Gen 3) are at elevated cardiovascular risk based on paternal lineage.
Type 2 diabetes appears in both the Williams line (George) and the Torres line (Frank), with Thomas developing it at age 40. Richard is pre-diabetic, suggesting progression. Both paternal grandfathers had diabetes.
Breast cancer appears in Eleanor (Gen 1, age 58) and Carol (Gen 2, age 44). The younger onset in Carol raises concern for a hereditary breast cancer gene. Anna (Gen 3) should be flagged for early screening.
Depression appears in Eleanor (Gen 1), both Patricia and Carol (Gen 2), and Sarah (Gen 3). This three-generation pattern strongly suggests both genetic and environmental transmission of depressive disorders.
Noting age of onset reveals anticipation patterns: George developed hypertension at 45, Richard at 42. Earlier onset in successive generations is a red flag for genetic counselors.
George's death from MI at 68 and Frank's death from stroke at 75 provide critical risk data. These cardiovascular-related deaths establish family predisposition for the younger generations.
The Williams family shows a strong paternal cardiovascular pattern. George died of a heart attack at 68 with hypertension onset at 45. Both sons, Richard and Thomas, have developed hypertension by their 40s. Richard's pre-diabetic status adds metabolic syndrome risk. James (age 21) and Mark (age 15) should begin cardiovascular screening earlier than the general population. Lifestyle modification counseling should be initiated now, as the genogram demonstrates that disease onset is trending younger in each generation.
Breast cancer in Eleanor (diagnosed at 58) and Carol (diagnosed at 44) raises the possibility of a hereditary breast cancer mutation such as BRCA1 or BRCA2. Carol's earlier onset is clinically significant. According to NCCN guidelines, a first-degree relative diagnosed before age 50 warrants genetic testing referral. Anna (age 18) should be referred for genetic counseling to discuss testing options and enhanced screening protocols. The genogram makes this two-generation pattern immediately visible to any reviewing clinician.
The three-generation depression pattern (Eleanor, Patricia, Carol, Sarah) is one of the clearest multigenerational transmissions visible on this genogram. Research shows that having a first-degree relative with major depression increases risk 2-3x. Sarah's onset at age 19 during college is consistent with hereditary major depressive disorder. The genogram helps Sarah's treatment provider understand her condition as part of a family pattern rather than an isolated episode, which informs treatment planning and psychoeducation.
The Williams family genogram demonstrates how multiple hereditary conditions often cluster together. Richard carries risk factors from both sides: cardiovascular disease from George, diabetes risk from both George and Frank (Torres line), and depression exposure from Eleanor. This comorbidity picture highlights why medical genograms are more informative than tracking individual conditions in isolation. A single genogram reveals the interconnected web of hereditary vulnerabilities that no standard intake form could capture.
Choose 4 condition categories and assign each to a quadrant with a color code.
Place family members across three generations with standard genogram structure.
Shade the appropriate quadrants for each person's conditions and note age of onset.
Highlight generation-three members who carry elevated risk based on the patterns observed.
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Medical disclaimer: This genogram example is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The Williams family is a fictional case study designed to illustrate medical genogram notation and hereditary pattern analysis. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider or genetic counselor for personalized medical risk assessment.
Use GenogramAI to create a medical genogram that tracks hereditary conditions. Share it with your healthcare provider for better preventive care.