Why Heart Health Matters to Me

Most teenagers don’t spend much time thinking about heart disease. I certainly didn’t—until I learned that it could affect me.

I was first diagnosed with high cholesterol when I was 9 years old, but it wasn’t until I was 13 that I truly understood what that meant. During a routine physical, my LDL cholesterol measured 170 mg/dL. Around the same time, I learned that heart disease runs in my family and that some cardiovascular risk factors can be inherited. Suddenly, heart disease was no longer something that happened only to older adults—it was something that could impact my future.

At first, I was worried. But instead of letting fear take over, I decided to learn everything I could about heart health. The more I researched, the more I realized how important early detection and prevention can be.

One topic that especially caught my attention was Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a). Lp(a) is a genetically inherited risk factor for cardiovascular disease, yet many people have never heard of it. I was surprised by how little awareness existed around something that can significantly increase a person’s risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions. That curiosity led me to conduct an extensive review of the scientific literature on Lp(a), and I was honored to have my research published in the National High School Journal of Science, a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

What Causes Elevated Lipoprotein A and How do we Manage It? – NHSJS

Research taught me a lot, but I also wanted to make a difference in my community.

As a competitive golfer, I have experienced firsthand how sports can bring people together. Golf is a game that rewards patience, discipline, and lifelong health. That’s why I decided to combine my passion for golf with my commitment to heart health by creating Heart Healthy Golf and organizing an annual charity golf tournament. Through this event, we raise funds and awareness for organizations dedicated to heart health education and prevention while encouraging people of all ages to stay active and take charge of their cardiovascular health.

My journey has taught me that knowledge is powerful. What started as a personal health concern has grown into a passion for medicine, scientific research, community service, and health advocacy. Through Heart Healthy Golf, I hope to encourage others to learn their family health history, ask questions, get screened when appropriate, and understand that heart disease prevention starts long before symptoms appear.

If sharing my story inspires even one person to take a closer look at their heart health, then this journey has been worth it.

Thank you for being part of the Heart Healthy Golf community.

— Alexia Hoffman