Sounds to me like he definitely has that genetic predisposition for heart disease. It is wonderful that he is "man" enough to tell someone he may need help.

I say "man" enough, only because men tend to hate doctors and consequently don't tell anybody what is going on until it is too late.

Though a change in lifestyle, i.e., diet, increased exercise, etc., is great, if you have inherited the predisposition to heart disease you may need to add meds too.

Take care and let us know how he is doing.....