Board Member Spotlight: Meet the People Behind the Work

 Vasculearn Network, our board members help shape how we turn complex cardiovascular and vascular topics into clear, practical information for patients and clinicians.

In this issue, we’re featuring Heather Johnson, MD, MS, a Preventive Cardiology Advisor at the Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute at Florida Atlantic University. Her work focuses on preventing cardiovascular disease, with a particular emphasis on women’s heart health and the unique factors that can influence risk.

What drew you to your work in this field?

Entering college, she initially planned to pursue a career in research. As the years passed, her focus shifted.

She discovered a strong interest in working directly with patients—especially helping people understand how to lower their risk for heart attack and stroke.

Today, her work brings those two paths together, combining research with patient care and education.

In your work, what do you think patients often misunderstand—or don’t hear enough about—when it comes to their condition or vascular health in general?

One of the most important messages she shares is that feeling healthy doesn’t always mean risk is low.

Many people may have underlying risk factors—like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or elevated blood sugar—without noticeable symptoms.

She emphasizes that:

• Regular health checkups matter

• Lifestyle habits play a major role

• Medication may be part of the plan when needed

A consistent, long-term approach to health—not quick fixes—is what supports better outcomes.

What’s one thing you wish every patient felt more comfortable asking about during their care?

She wishes more people felt comfortable asking a simple but important question:

“What caused this?”

After a vascular event (like a heart attack or stroke), it’s common for patients to feel like it was their fault. But risk is often influenced by many factors—including genetics. Helping patients understand why something occurred can shift the focus away from blame and toward a plan for moving forward.

Is there a habit or practice you often talk about with patients that you also try to follow yourself?

One habit she consistently comes back to is regular exercise.

It’s something she talks about often with patients—and makes a priority in her own life.

Why is it important for you to be involved with Vasculearn Network?

She was drawn to VLN’s focus on bringing patients and clinicians together.

She values:

• Clear, trustworthy information

• A team-based approach to education

• Encouraging people to take an active role in their health