ABC's 'Family Heartbeats Unmasked' inspires
awareness and action through the heartfelt stories of families
diagnosed with FH.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 31,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its ongoing
commitment to raise awareness about heart health and address health
disparities, the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC)
highlights Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) during National
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month. FH is an inherited genetic
disorder that results in severely elevated LDL-cholesterol levels.
Because they inherit this condition, persons with FH cannot remove
cholesterol from their blood normally. As a result, they have
severely elevated levels of cholesterol that increase their risk
for atherosclerotic heart disease, heart attack, and, in some
cases, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). The ABC campaign, "Family
Heartbeats Unmasked," emphasizes the importance of early detection
and proactive management by sharing the personal stories of
individuals and families affected by FH.
FH and Sudden Cardiac Arrest
FH is a silent threat that can result in devastating outcomes if
left untreated. Most persons with FH do not have symptoms - that is
until they suffer a heart attack. Elevated cholesterol levels
caused by FH increase the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the
arteries and plaque deposition) and the risk of developing
complications at a young age. Atherosclerotic plaques can rupture
and cause a heart attack or SCA. The ABC campaign educates the
public about the serious risks of untreated high cholesterol due to
FH. With early detection and life-saving treatments, patients with
chronic conditions such as FH can significantly reduce their risk
of heart attacks and other life-threatening cardiac events.
"By sharing these powerful patient stories, we can help families
affected by FH understand the condition better and also encourage
early detection and timely intervention that can prevent tragic
outcomes," said Dr. Ijeoma
Isiadinso, co-chair of the ABC Preventive Cardiology
Committee and Medical Director of the Preventive Cardiology Program
at Emory Heart & Vascular in Atlanta. "I am deeply committed to ensuring
that our communities understand FH's risks and take early action to
protect their heart health. The intersection of my work with ABC
and Emory allows us collectively to
increase awareness of FH and make a larger impact on communities at
risk."
The "Family Heartbeats Unmasked" campaign brings attention to
the impact of FH on families, particularly in Black American and
other minority communities, where the condition is often
underdiagnosed. The campaign includes educational videos,
physician-led public service announcements, and various resources
to improve FH awareness, screening, and treatment.
"This campaign is personal for so many families affected by FH,"
said Dr. Carissa Baker-Smith,
co-chair of the ABC Preventive Cardiology Committee and Director of
the Preventive Cardiology program at Nemours Children's Hospital,
Delaware in Wilmington, Delaware. "It is important
that families understand the importance of screening for FH,
beginning in childhood. In my roles at both ABC and Nemours
Children's, I'm honored to help connect the resources of these 2
organizations to bring awareness and education to those who need it
most."
Partnering with Nemours and Emory Health Systems
The ABC is proud to have collaborated with Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, and Nemours
Children's Hospital, Delaware in
Wilmington, Delaware to create
this content.
Visit abcardio.org for more information.
About the ABC
Founded in 1974, the ABC is a nonprofit
organization with a global membership exceeding 2,000 individuals,
including health professionals, community health advocates, and
corporate and institutional members. ABC's mission is to promote
the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, including
stroke, in Blacks and other minorities and to achieve health equity
for all through the elimination of disparities. Membership of the
ABC is inclusive of all who share the mission and the vision of
ABC. Through advocacy, education, and research, ABC works to ensure
that every person has the opportunity to achieve optimal heart
health. Today, ABC's public and private partnerships continue to
make strides in improving cardiovascular outcomes in communities
across the nation. Connect with us
at www.abcardio.org and join our efforts on
Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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SOURCE Association of Black Cardiologists