Heart Health Is Family Health
Heart disease hits our families hard. Knowing the facts is how we fight back.
Clear, trusted information about your heart. No selling. No scare tactics. Just what you need to know, and what to do about it.
Know your risk. Protect your heart. Protect your family.
The Facts
Know your risk.
Heart disease is the number one cause of death in America. It touches Black families more than most. These are the facts — and facts are power.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States — more than any cancer.
Black Americans are about 30% more likely to die from heart disease than White Americans.
About 1 in 5 people have high Lp(a) — a hidden, inherited heart risk. Most have never heard of it.
The Hidden Risk
Some heart risks are hidden. This one runs in families.
You know about blood pressure. You know about cholesterol. But there’s one risk most people have never been told about: Lp(a) — say it “L-P-little-a.”
- It’s passed down in families. You get your Lp(a) level from your parents, like your eye color. Food and exercise don’t change it.
- You can’t feel it. You can look healthy, eat right, and still have high Lp(a).
- High Lp(a) raises your risk of heart attack and stroke.
- It’s not in your regular cholesterol test. A simple blood test can check it — but you have to ask.
- One test, once in your life, can tell you your number. Heart doctors say every adult should get it checked at least once.
What to say at your next visit
“I’d like to get my Lp(a) checked. Can you add it to my blood work?”
That’s it. One sentence. If your number is high, your doctor will help you make a plan to protect your heart in the ways you can control.
Make the request. Get the test.
Your Family
If you have it, someone you love might too.
Because Lp(a) runs in families, one person’s test result is a clue for the whole family. If your number is high, your parents, brothers, sisters, and children may have high numbers too.
- Talk about your family’s heart history. Ask: “Has anyone in our family had heart trouble or a stroke?”
- Share what you learn. If you get tested, tell your family your result — high or not.
- Encourage three people you love to ask their doctor about the test, too.
How to start the conversation
“I learned about a heart test that runs in families. I’m getting it. I think you should ask about it too.”
It can feel hard to bring up health with family. Keep it simple, keep it loving. You might be giving someone the heads-up that saves their life.
Every Day
Eight habits that protect your heart.
No matter what your numbers say, these everyday habits keep your heart stronger. Start with one. Small steps count.
Eat better
More vegetables, fruit, and beans. Less salt, fried food, and sugary drinks.
Move more
Aim for about 2½ hours of walking or other movement each week.
Quit tobacco
It’s the single best thing a smoker can do for their heart.
Sleep well
Most adults need 7 to 9 hours a night. Sleep helps your heart rest, too.
Watch your weight
Even small changes take pressure off your heart.
Know your cholesterol
A simple blood test. Ask for your numbers and what they mean.
Manage blood sugar
High blood sugar quietly damages the heart over time. Get it checked.
Check blood pressure
Healthy is under 120/80. Free checks at many pharmacies.
One honest note: these habits do not lower Lp(a) itself — that level is set by your genes. But they protect your heart in every other way, and that matters even more if your Lp(a) is high. Moving your body also helps with stress.
Warning Signs
Know the signs. Act fast.
Minutes matter with a heart attack or stroke. Learn these signs and share them with your family.
Heart attack signs
- Pain, pressure, or squeezing in the chest
- Pain in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweat, upset stomach, or feeling lightheaded
Stroke signs — think “BE FAST”
- Balance — sudden loss of balance
- Eyes — sudden trouble seeing
- Face — one side drooping
- Arm — weakness or numbness
- Speech — slurred or strange
- Time — call 911 right away
If you see these signs in yourself or anyone else — even if you’re not sure — call 911. Don’t drive yourself. Don’t wait to see if it passes.
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