What if the cholesterol numbers you’ve been watching aren’t telling you the whole story about your heart?
In this episode, Dr. Mariza sits down with cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Philip Ovadia to explore why he believes metabolic dysfunction and insulin resistance deserve far more attention when assessing cardiovascular risk, especially for women entering perimenopause and menopause.
Dr. Ovadia shares what he’s learned after 25 years in heart surgery, including why he’s now routinely operating on patients in their 40s and even 30s. They break down the metabolic warning signs that can appear decades before advanced heart disease, from rising blood pressure and waist circumference to fasting insulin, glucose, triglycerides, and HDL.
You’ll also hear their discussion about cholesterol and advanced lipid testing, how changing hormones can affect women’s cardiometabolic health, and why resistance training, real food, muscle, sleep, and blood sugar stability matter.
Plus, Dr. Ovadia explains how continuous glucose monitors can provide real-time insight into your metabolic health and the heart imaging he recommends women discuss with their healthcare providers.
Listen now to discover the metabolic clues your body may be giving you today and how to start protecting your heart for decades to come.
DR. PHILIP OVADIA
Dr. Philip Ovadia is a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon, founder of Ovadia Heart Health Center, and author of Stay Off My Operating Table and Stay Off My Kitchen Table.
After performing thousands of heart surgeries, Dr. Ovadia shifted part of his work toward prevention, helping patients identify and address metabolic dysfunction before it progresses to advanced cardiovascular disease. His virtual practice focuses on improving metabolic health as a strategy for reducing heart disease risk.
IN THIS EPISODE
Why Dr. Ovadia believes insulin resistance deserves more attention in heart disease prevention
The five basic metabolic markers he wants women tracking
Why your personal blood pressure baseline matters in midlife
What fasting insulin can reveal before blood sugar becomes obviously abnormal
Why cholesterol alone may not give you the complete picture of cardiovascular risk
How muscle and resistance training support metabolic and heart health
What a continuous glucose monitor can teach you about food, energy, and blood sugar
When Dr. Ovadia recommends considering coronary artery calcium imaging
QUOTES
“It's never too early to start thinking about this, but it's also never too late.”
“Cholesterol is not the main thing driving heart disease.”
“Low-fat diets, they simply don't work.”
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution
http://drmariza.com/book
Stop surviving and start thriving, join Midlife on Fire Collective now
https://drmariza.com/trial
Stay Off My Operating Table by Dr. Philip Ovadia
Dr. Ovadia Website
Dr. Ovadia Facebook
Dr. Ovadia Instagram
Dr. Ovadia Youtube
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