A call to action: Lowering LDL cholesterol
See how a grandfather's heart attack sparked a journey toward lowering his LDL cholesterol level
October 28, 2025
“Life is short. It can change any second,” John Bald said he realized when his ski trip ended in the hospital.
While on the slopes several years ago, Bald, a father of three and grandfather of three, started to feel chest pain. What he thought was heartburn kept getting worse with each run.
“When I finally got to the hospital, I ran to the emergency window, and by the time I got to the window, I almost collapsed,” Bald said.
His doctors discovered he was having a heart attack. They found a 95% blockage of his right coronary artery, a common sign of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and he later learned he had high levels of LDL cholesterol, also known as bad cholesterol.
The blockage was cleared, and Bald received a stent in his heart to keep his artery open and improve blood flow to the rest of his body. As someone who had been active and relatively healthy, he was surprised by his diagnosis.
What is atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)?
ASCVD is a condition caused by the buildup of plaque (bad cholesterol, fats and other substances) within the arteries, leading to narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can result in serious cardiovascular events such as heart attacks or strokes. ASCVD includes diseases that can narrow or block arteries in your heart, legs, and/or brain.
The risks of high cholesterol
Bald learned his high LDL cholesterol put him at an increased risk of a future heart attack or stroke.
A high level of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is one of several risk factors that can contribute to the development of ASCVD. Plaques can silently build up in arteries over time, which may increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Bald and his doctor came up with a treatment plan to manage his cholesterol. These conversations with his doctor, in addition to medication and lifestyle changes, helped Bald lower his risk of future cardiovascular events. It also prompted his adult family members to understand their own cardiovascular risk.
Today, Bald savors every minute splashing in the pool with his three grandchildren.
Watch above to learn more about John Bald’s journey to lowering his LDL cholesterol.