Why Young Women Shouldn’t Ignore Heart Health

Ally, a 36-year-old patient advocate from Houston, never expected to be diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), a genetic condition that causes dangerously high cholesterol levels. Diagnosed at age 31, Ally now uses her experience to help others understand that heart disease can affect people regardless of age, lifestyle or fitness level.

Throughout her 20s, Ally lived what many would consider a heart-healthy lifestyle. She exercised regularly, maintained a healthy weight and ate balanced meals prepared at home. However, routine cholesterol testing repeatedly showed abnormal results that did not match her healthy habits. Confused by the disconnect, she sought medical guidance and eventually worked with a cardiologist who recognized that her cholesterol levels, combined with her young age and unknown family history due to adoption, suggested FH.

FH is an inherited condition that causes high levels of LDL, often called “bad” cholesterol, which significantly increases the risk of early heart disease. Ally emphasized that learning her diagnosis was initially overwhelming but ultimately reassuring because it helped her understand that genetics, not personal failure, were responsible. After trying several statin medications without success, she began treatment with a PCSK9 inhibitor, which helped better control her cholesterol levels and provided peace of mind.

Her diagnosis also influenced her experience with pregnancy. Ally temporarily stopped medication while trying to conceive and during pregnancy, which caused anxiety about managing her cholesterol. With support from her cardiologist and a high-risk obstetric specialist, she learned that temporary increases in cholesterol are necessary for fetal development. She successfully delivered a healthy baby and resumed treatment afterward.

Ally now advocates strongly for early screening and encourages people, especially young adults, to know their cholesterol and blood pressure numbers. She credits early and consistent testing with helping identify her condition before serious complications occurred. She also highlights the importance of addressing health care disparities and cultural barriers, particularly within Latino communities, where preventive care may be overlooked.

As a mother and advocate, Ally encourages women to prioritize their own health, emphasizing that self-care is not selfish. She stresses that caregivers and family leaders must protect their own well-being to remain present for their loved ones. Ally also hopes to break common myths about heart disease, reminding patients that genetics can play a major role and that heart disease is not limited to older adults or those with unhealthy lifestyles.