February is Heart Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular health and the risks associated with heart disease. For local author and advocate Casey Walsh, this mission is deeply personal. Walsh, whose memoir The Full Catastrophe: All I Ever Wanted, Everything I Feared is set for release in February 2025, has spent years shedding light on familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) and elevated Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), two genetic conditions that significantly increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

As a board member and ambassador for the Family Heart Foundation, Walsh has turned her own experiences into advocacy, pushing for greater awareness and early diagnosis. FH, a condition that leads to dangerously high cholesterol from birth, affects 1 in 250 people—yet 80% of those with FH remain undiagnosed. Similarly, Lp(a) is an inherited lipid disorder that impacts 1 in 5 individuals, yet is rarely tested for in routine cholesterol screenings.

Walsh’s journey with heart disease began with personal tragedy, experiencing firsthand the consequences of undiagnosed genetic heart conditions within her family. Since then, she has dedicated herself to educating others about the importance of knowing their family history, requesting essential blood tests, and advocating for early intervention.

“Many people don’t realize that heart disease isn’t just about diet and exercise—it can also be genetic,” Walsh explained. “A simple blood test can reveal life-saving information, but most doctors don’t routinely check for FH or Lp(a). That needs to change.”

In addition to her advocacy work, Walsh shares her story in a patient perspective blog for WebMD, helping others navigate life with inherited heart conditions. She encourages those with a family history of heart disease to get tested and seek proper medical care before experiencing a life-threatening event.

With new treatments for Lp(a) on the horizon, Walsh remains hopeful about the future of heart disease prevention. Until then, she urges individuals to take proactive steps by learning their risk factors, staying informed, and making heart-healthy lifestyle choices.

Visit the Family Heart Foundation for more information about familial hypercholesterolemia, Lp(a), and heart disease prevention.