Reach your
LDL Safe Zone

A real person living with high LDL-C

How do I reach my LDL Safe Zone…and stay there?

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a type of fat in the blood that carries cholesterol throughout the body and can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. The LDL Safe Zone is a guide to where your LDL-C levels should be to minimize the risk for cardiovascular disease. Remember that lower = safer.

Once you know your LDL Safe Zone, it is critical to reach it and stay there. Work with your medical team and a Family Heart Foundation Care Navigator to lower your LDL-C and keep it low.

Click through the “LDL Safe Zone Action Plan” below in 4 steps. Share your plan, questions, and concerns with your medical team and Family Heart Foundation Care Navigator.

  • Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), is often called “bad” cholesterol because when there is too much LDL-C in the bloodstream, it penetrates and irritates the artery walls. This causes inflammation, plaque buildup, and blockages
  • Many people live with LDL-C levels that are too high for too long – The Danger Zone – which can be deadly
  • There are usually no symptoms for high cholesterol. Don’t let the first symptom of your high cholesterol be a heart attack or stroke

Get a free at-home screening kit at Cholesterol Connect or ask your medical team for a lipid panel.

Tips and questions to prepare for your doctor visit

  • Get your cholesterol tested before your appointment, so you can discuss your results during your visit
  • Don’t count on the doctor’s office to call you with results
  • Your lab report may also be available through your online portal, like “MyChart”

Download your personal Doctor Discussion Guide!

Do you need help to navigate insurance?

A lipid test includes many numbers. To stay in your LDL Safe Zone you only need to know your LDL-C.

  • This number is key. This “bad” cholesterol is what can build up in the arteries and cause heart attacks and strokes

LDL-C is not the only blood test that can predict your risk of heart attack and stroke. Ask your medical team about Lp(a).

Are you in your LDL Safe Zone?

Lower your LDL-C

Manage all of your risk factors for heart attack or stroke.

Are you in the danger zone? Tell your family that they might be, too.


These family sharing tools can help you start the conversation

People often confuse LDL-C
and HDL-C. Remember…

LDL-C should be Low…to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke

LIVE WITH
LOWER
LONGER

Research shows that living with lower LDL-C for longer is one of the safest things you can do to reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke.

“Nearly my entire adult life, I have battled heart disease. Before me, my father, my brother, grandfather and uncles all fought and fell to this ‘family curse.’ I’m ensuring the battle ends with me, that my children have the tools to prevent the fight from ever beginning. I may have passed on FH and high Lp(a) to my kids, but heart disease ends with me.”
‍
Brandon Wilson
Family Heart Ambassador

If you have questions about your LDL Safe Zone Action Plan, contact your medical team or the Family Heart Foundation Care Navigation Center.

Connect with a FAMILY HEART Foundation care navigator

The Family Heart Foundation gratefully acknowledges our LDL Safe Zone Campaign Partner Sponsor, Amgen, and Supporting Sponsors, Merck and Novartis.