Amgen and Barry Sanders Raise Awareness About “Bad Cholesterol” in Documentary Highlighting Cardiovascular Disease Crisis in America
Amgen today announced the launch of The Making of a Heart Attack, a powerful documentary that aims to illuminate the growing cardiovascular disease crisis in the United States — a condition that strikes someone nearly every 40 seconds with a heart attack or stroke. The documentary underscores the significant, yet frequently hidden, role high LDL cholesterol, often called “bad” cholesterol, plays in fueling these catastrophic health events.
The film features renowned former professional football running back Barry Sanders, who shares his own alarming health experience alongside expert perspectives and stories from individuals whose lives have been profoundly influenced by high LDL cholesterol. Sanders, a superstar during his years in the National Football League (NFL) with the Detroit Lions, reveals in the documentary that he suffered a heart attack on Father’s Day in 2024 — a moment that forced him to confront a health reality he hadn’t previously recognized.
“I’ve spent my life as a professional athlete taking care of my body, but I had no idea I was living with a silent risk that could lead to a heart attack,” Sanders said. “My message to other people is simple: don’t wait. Get your LDL-C tested and talk to your doctor. Knowing your number is an important step toward understanding your risk.”
High LDL cholesterol — often called “bad” cholesterol — is a major contributor to atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries and restricts blood flow, increasing the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke. The documentary highlights a striking reality: more than 40% of adults with high LDL-C in the U.S. do not even know their cholesterol levels are elevated — a significant barrier to prevention and proper care.
“The Making of a Heart Attack” strives to educate the public about LDL-C and its role in cardiovascular disease, emphasizing how lifestyle modifications, medication, and vigilant health care can make a dramatic difference in reducing health risks. According to expert estimates, high LDL-C is one of the leading — yet most modifiable — risk factors for heart attacks and stroke. Nevertheless, this growing health crisis shows no sign of slowing down.
“We know that high LDL-C is one of the leading, yet most modifiable, risk factors for heart attack and stroke,” said Paul Burton, M.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Amgen. “However, the cardiovascular disease public health crisis continues. The Making of a Heart Attack should be a wake-up call for everyone. Amgen is committed to leading change by increasing LDL-C testing and encouraging patients and the entire healthcare system to act with urgency to overcome inertia and address this issue.”
The documentary also offers powerful stories from individuals whose health journeys have been impacted by high LDL cholesterol. Among them are Hyvelle Ferguson-Davis, founder of Heart Sistas; Tara Robinson, Chief Executive Officer of the Black Heart Association; Gigi Campos, a WomenHeart Champion; and her father, Ponciano Gari. Each shares their unique struggles, their eventual lifestyle tweaks, medication routines, and the growing awareness that knowledge and action can make all the difference in protecting their futures.
Additionally, Sara Collins, M.D., FACC, an interventional cardiologist and a member of the Association of Black Cardiologists, provides her expert perspective and guidance. Dr. Collins emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s LDL cholesterol number and acting decisively to bring it under control. She underscores the necessity for lifestyle interventions alongside medication when appropriate, noting that a tailored approach to care can significantly reduce the risk of future heart attacks and stroke.
This documentary forms a key component of Amgen’s broader mission to cut the number of heart attacks and strokes in the United States by 50% by 2030. This ambitious health objective involves a range of initiatives, from increasing LDL-C testing to improving access to care for vulnerable communities. Furthermore, Amgen is strengthening its collaborations with patient advocates, medical societies, healthcare systems, and research institutions — all in service of turning the tide against a major health emergency.
Heart disease, the leading cause of death for both men and women in the USA, shows few signs of relenting. The Making of a Heart Attack signals a new era of awareness, education, and intervention — a turning point in which individuals, their families, their doctors, and the health care industry collectively strive to reduce the human cost of high LDL cholesterol. The documentary resonates with a powerful message: while high LDL-C is a silent danger, it is a danger we can identify and control.
Through stories of real people, expert guidance, and a call to action, The Making of a Heart Attack offers a path forward — a way for patients to become advocates for their own health, for health care providers to collaborate more effectively, and for the health care ecosystem to collectively make a measurable and profound improvement in health outcomes for the future.
