Family Heart Foundation Launches Cholesterol Connect: Free At-Home Lipid Screening

Photo taken at the Family Heart Global Summit 2024 in Dallas, Texas

Credit: Chelsie Derman

The Family Heart Foundation announced today the launch of Cholesterol Connect, a program that provides free at-home lipid screening and live, personalized support from the Family Heart Care Navigation Center to learn how to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).

The program, sponsored by Amgen, was created to respond to the increasing demand for proactive heart awareness, early screening, and treatment. Approximately 71 Americans have high LDL-C in their bloodstream, but 40% are unaware of this condition. Likewise, > 60 million Americans have increased Lp(a) levels, but despite being detectable with a simple blood test, only 1.1% of adults are screened.

In the US, cardiovascular disease claims a life every 33 seconds. Knowing cardiovascular risk factors can prevent 80 – 90% of deaths.

“Through Cholesterol Connect, we are able to address the disparities and access to lab work, so all people in the U.S. are empowered with knowledge of their and their family’s heart health history,” said Larry Sperling, chief medical officer of the Family Heart Foundation, in a statement. “We ensure individuals receive the comprehensive care and education they need to take control of their cardiovascular health.”

The Cholesterol Connect test is a standard lipid panel that measures total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglycerides, as well as screens for Lp(a). People who join Cholesterol Connect can opt-in to receive personalized support from a Family Heart Care Navigator who will review their test results and offer educational resources. Participants can also schedule virtual consultations with Care Navigators.

The program is open to the public, regardless of insurance type. Participants can request a free test kit online and get it shipped via Endless Health. The participants ship the test back to the lab using the prepaid return label.

The test samples are processed in a CLIA-certified, secure laboratory. Participants can track their samples and securely view the results online. They also can easily share the results with the Family Heart Foundation Care Navigators and their providers.

After receiving their results, participants have the option to schedule a session with a Family Heart Care Navigator to learn about the results and explore actions for addressing their at-risk conditions.

Cholesterol Connect expands on a highly successful pilot program initiated earlier this year for Lp(a) Awareness Day on March 24. The response was remarkable, with all kits ordered within 5 days.

“Making Lp(a) and LDL-Cholesterol screening more easily accessible is vital to help people better understand their risk for heart attack and stroke,” said Paul Burton, MD, senior vice president and chief medical officer at Amgen. "Amgen's collaboration with the Family Heart Foundation aims to empower individuals with resources to help them make informed decisions about their heart health and address cardiovascular disease as a public health crisis.”

References

^{Family Heart Foundation® Launches “Cholesterol Connect®,” Free Screening and Personalized Support Program to Address the Leading Cause of Death in America. Business Wire. September 30, 2024. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240930283291/en/Family-Heart-Foundation%C2%AE-Launches-%E2%80%9CCholesterol-Connect%C2%AE%E2%80%9D-Free-Screening-and-Personalized-Support-Program-to-Address-the-Leading-Cause-of-Death-in-America?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=linkedin&utm_source=socialnetwork. Accessed September 30, 2024.}