I walk because I have FH - Familial Hypercholesterolemia - an inherited defect in how the body recycles LDL, or “bad” cholesterol. Left untreated, people with FH "have a higher risk of heart disease and death at a younger age. Heart attacks may occur before age 50 in men and age 60 in women." I was born with this inherited defect (thanks Dad!) - one in about 200 adults have the FH genetic mutation.
My older brother is the first man in three generations in my family to live past 50. My father was 47, my uncle 33, my grandfather - an MD - was 49. Without the significant work by the American Heart Assoc and funding science initiatives, I would likely not be here right now.
FH is treatable with a good diet, exercise, and a physician monitored treatment regimen.
In my lifetime I’ve seen something that was a death sentence become manageable with modern medicine thanks to the work of organizations like the AHA. But our work is not done. This year, as we celebrate the Centennial of the American Heart Association, we will move health and well-being forward in important and critical ways. This relentless pursuit will continue until heart disease and stroke no longer exist.
Have a heart and help me reach my goal today.
