Former NFL Player Urges Healthy Men in Their 40s to Get This Test

Former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck urges men, even ones like him who exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet, to get their cholesterol checked.

This urgency comes from a personal story; his father, Don Hasselbeck, a former New England Patriots player, died suddenly last April from cardiac arrest. This is an electrical failure in the heart that causes an irregular heartbeat and can be fatal if not treated within minutes, according to the American Heart Association.

This led Matt to have a check-up with his doctor. He felt fine, ate a pretty healthy diet, and worked out regularly. He went and had some blood drawn to rule out any health issues. So, he was shocked to learn that his cholesterol levels were high, specifically the LDL levels, the so-called “bad” cholesterol. The LDL should be below 100. Your HDL, the “good” cholesterol, should be between 60 and 80, experts at the Cleveland Clinic say.

You may be able to improve your cholesterol levels with dietary changes such as cutting fatty and processed foods and replacing them with whole foods, fruits, and veggies, but sometimes, it’s just in your genes.

Man on a Mission

Matt partnered with the Family Heart Foundation for their “Tackle Cholesterol: Get into the LDL Safe Zone” campaign. The website offers educational information to help people know more about their heart health. Having high LDL levels can increase your risk for heart attack and strokes.

The website offers a link to get a free screening kit sent to your home. You should follow up with your doctor once you get the results to better understand the numbers and to see whether you need additional tests or treatments.

Heart Disease Risk Increases in Your 30s

Heart disease doesn’t happen overnight; it’s over time that heart problems can develop. The best thing you can do is visit your doctor regularly to get screened and consider lifestyle factors, too. If you use tobacco products like Zyn pouches, it’s best to quit to reduce your risk of heart disease.

You may be indulging in savory and fatty foods during Super Bowl weekend, but get back to fresh veggies on Monday morning. Top foods to improve your numbers include high-fiber foods, oatmeal, and a handful of almonds, swap butter for avocado, and use olive oil in your cooking.

Heart disease isn't an inevitable part of aging. It's preventable.