Heart attack, stroke survivors neglect ‘bad’ cholesterol despite increased risks

DALLAS -- A 2023 survey from the American Heart Association conducted by The Harris Poll, found that a majority -- 70% -- of heart attack and stroke survivors are unaware that LDL cholesterol is commonly referred to as “bad cholesterol.”

This matters because LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) significantly contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a heart attack occurs every 40 seconds in the U.S.

Survey highlights:

* 75% of heart attack and stroke survivors reported having high cholesterol.

* 47% of heart attack and stroke survivors are unaware of their LDL cholesterol number.

The survey, conducted on behalf of the AHA, the world’s leading voluntary organization dedicated to building healthier lives for all, found that 75% of heart attack and stroke survivors reported having high cholesterol. However, only 49% recognized the need to prioritize lowering their cholesterol.

“There’s a pervasive lack of public awareness and understanding around bad cholesterol and its impact on your cardiovascular health,” said Joseph C. Wu, AHA volunteer president and director of Stanford Cardiovascular Institute.

“As bad cholesterol usually has no symptoms, we often find that many patients are walking around without knowing they’re at risk or how to mitigate it,” Wu said.

Through its “Lower Your LDL Cholesterol Now” initiative, sponsored nationally by Amgen Inc., the AHA is encouraging people to ask their doctor to check their cholesterol levels.

In the Harris Poll study, 98% of heart attack and stroke survivors surveyed say they are willing to take a simple blood test if recommended by their health care professional.

'What's eye-opening about these survey results is that nearly half of those who have suffered a heart attack or stroke don’t know their LDL cholesterol levels, which is a vital step in helping to prevent a second heart attack or stroke,' Paul Burton, senior vice president and chief medical officer, Amgen, said.