Former NFL player shares cholesterol test message for men in their 40s

Former Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck says he got a cholesterol test after his father died suddenly and was surprised to learn his LDL levels were high despite a healthy lifestyle.

Matt Hasselbeck, a former Seattle Seahawks quarterback, described having a cholesterol check after his father, Don Hasselbeck, a former NFL player, died suddenly last April from cardiac arrest. Matt said he felt healthy, followed a regular exercise routine, and ate a generally healthy diet but learned from blood tests that his LDL cholesterol was high. The article links his experience to the Family Heart Foundation’s "Tackle Cholesterol: Get into the LDL Safe Zone" campaign and notes the campaign offers educational resources. It also reports that cholesterol levels can be influenced by diet and genetics and that tobacco use is associated with higher heart disease risk. Key facts: - Don Hasselbeck died last April from cardiac arrest, reported in the article. - Matt Hasselbeck had blood work after that event and was surprised to find high LDL cholesterol despite regular exercise and a healthy diet. - The article cites Cleveland Clinic guidance noting LDL ideally below 100 and HDL levels often described in a 60–80 range. - The Family Heart Foundation campaign is mentioned and is reported to offer educational information and a link to request a free home screening kit. - The piece notes that diet, tobacco use, and genetics are among factors that can affect heart disease risk. Summary: The article emphasizes that routine cholesterol screening identified high LDL in someone who considered himself healthy and connects that finding to public education efforts through the Family Heart Foundation campaign. The report states the campaign offers free screening kits and recommends following up with a doctor after test results; Undetermined at this time.