Join Dr. McBride every Friday at 3 pm ET for her live Q&As in the app!
EPISODE SUMMARY
This week’s conversation is all about your heart—how cardiovascular disease develops, how to think differently about cholesterol and blood pressure, and what you can actually do to prevent problems before they start. Heart disease is still the leading cause of death worldwide, but the good news? You have far more agency over your heart health than you might realize. In this episode, we break it down in plain English: the numbers that matter, the tests that are worth it, and the simple steps that make a big difference.
KEY CONCEPTS DISCUSSED
What Cardiovascular Disease Actually Means
Cardiovascular disease includes conditions of both the heart (cardio) and blood vessels (vascular).
It’s not just heart attacks—it can also mean strokes, valve disease, arrhythmias, and more.
Women are especially vulnerable, and heart disease kills more women annually than all cancers combined.
Cholesterol 101: What Matters and Why
LDL ("bad" cholesterol) is the main target when we talk about lowering risk.
Genetics, age, hormonal changes (like menopause), diet, and lifestyle all influence cholesterol levels.
Your LDL goal depends on who you are—not everyone needs super low cholesterol.
Lifestyle changes come first, but when needed, cholesterol medications (statins) are safe, effective, and sometimes lifesaving.
The Role of Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Scans
CAC scans help determine if cholesterol is visibly sticking to the arteries—a crucial decision-making tool, especially for people at intermediate risk.
A score of 0 is very reassuring; a higher score suggests the need for more aggressive treatment.
The test carries a small amount of radiation risk, so decisions about ordering it should be personalized based on your risk factors.
Blood Pressure: Why It’s So Important
High blood pressure can silently damage the heart, leading to heart attacks, strokes, arrhythmias, and heart failure.
Risk factors include genetics, aging, diet, alcohol use, sleep apnea, stress, and certain medications.
Lifestyle changes can have a huge impact, but medications are crucial when blood pressure stays high despite your best efforts.
Newer Blood Tests You Might Hear About: Lp(a) and ApoB
Lipoprotein(a) and apolipoprotein B are newer markers that can add additional information about heart disease risk.
Lp(a) is mostly genetic and usually only needs to be checked once.
ApoB is dynamic and can be monitored along with regular cholesterol panels.
Research is ongoing into treatments targeting these markers specifically.
How to Prevent Heart Disease
You have more control than you think—but it's not about chasing perfect numbers.
Keys to prevention:
Daily movement and strength training
A high-fiber, heart-healthy diet (think: plants, healthy fats, fewer processed foods)
Limiting alcohol and eliminating smoking
Prioritizing sleep and managing stress
Regular, personalized checkups—including discussions about your cholesterol goals and whether a CAC scan makes sense for you
UPSHOT
You don’t need perfect cholesterol numbers, a flawless diet, or a gold-star exercise routine to protect your heart. You need good information, clear goals tailored to you, and sustainable habits that respect your real life. Cardiovascular disease may be the leading cause of death — but with the right tools and mindset, you can be firmly in the driver’s seat of your own health.
SEEKING YOUR FEEDBACK, PLEASE 🙏
I’d love to hear from you!
Do you like 3 pm ET for the time of this weekly show? Or would 8 pm on a Tuesday or Wednesday work better for you?
Do you prefer an hour, or is 30 minutes better?
Do you prefer I do a deep dive into one organ system each week, or a hodgepodge of topics each week?
What other topics do you want to hear about most?
I’m all ears! Drop me a comment!
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