Heart Attacks are Preventable!

EP351: Talking Heart and Aging With Dr Luong Part 2

Welcome to my podcast. I am Doctor Warrick Bishop, and I want to help you to live as well as possible for as long as possible. I’m a practising cardiologist, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and the creator of The Healthy Heart Network. I have over 20 years as a specialist cardiologist and a private practice of over 10,000 patients. This podcast features a discussion between Doctor Warrick Bishop and Rebecca Luong, a qualified dietitian with expertise in cardiometabolic health and sports nutrition. They discuss the importance of diet and nutrition for healthy aging, with a focus on protein, dairy, and reducing saturated fat and sodium intake. Rebecca emphasizes the need for older adults to consume adequate protein, highlighting the benefits of whole food sources over supplements. She also shares insights about her company Heartful Flavors, which aims to provide healthy, low-sodium alternatives to traditional Asian sauces and seasonings. Overall, the conversation provides practical dietary recommendations for supporting cardiovascular and metabolic health as people age. Read more

EP350: Talking Heart and Aging With Dr Luong Part 1

Welcome to my podcast. I am Doctor Warrick Bishop, and I want to help you to live as well as possible for as long as possible. I’m a practising cardiologist, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and the creator of The Healthy Heart Network. I have over 20 years as a specialist cardiologist and a private practice of over 10,000 patients. Dr. Warrick Bishop interviews Dr. Rebecca Luong, an accredited practicing dietitian with a special interest in sports and cardiometabolic health. Dr. Luong discusses her background and how she became interested in dietetics, combining her love of food with a desire to help people improve their health. The conversation focuses on cardiometabolic health, including the importance of diet in managing conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Dr. Luong emphasizes the value of analyzing dietary patterns rather than just individual nutrients, and she highlights healthy dietary approaches like the Mediterranean, DASH, and Nordic diets. The discussion covers the role of carbohydrates, glycemic index, and limiting processed foods high in fat, salt and sugar. Dr. Bishop and Dr. Long agree they will continue the conversation in a future episode to discuss protein, fat, and the relationship between diet and frailty. Read more

EP349: Climate and Environment with Dr Fiona Foo Part 2

Welcome to my podcast. I am Doctor Warrick Bishop, and I want to help you to live as well as possible for as long as possible. I’m a practising cardiologist, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and the creator of The Healthy Heart Network. I have over 20 years as a specialist cardiologist and a private practice of over 10,000 patients. Fiona Foo, a cardiologist, discusses the impact of traffic-related air pollution and climate change on cardiovascular health. Traffic emissions are a significant cause of death and cardiovascular disease, with idling vehicles being a particular problem. Extreme heat and heat waves also have serious cardiovascular consequences, especially for vulnerable populations like the elderly, those with underlying conditions, and outdoor workers. Climate change is worsening mental health issues like anxiety and depression, which in turn negatively impact cardiovascular health. Addressing these environmental factors is crucial for improving public health and sustainability. Read more

EP348: Climate and Environment with Dr Fiona Foo Part 1

Welcome to my podcast. I am Doctor Warrick Bishop, and I want to help you to live as well as possible for as long as possible. I’m a practising cardiologist, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and the creator of The Healthy Heart Network. I have over 20 years as a specialist cardiologist and a private practice of over 10,000 patients. This podcast features a discussion between Dr. Warrick Bishop and Dr. Fiona Foo, a cardiologist from Sydney, Australia. They discuss Dr. Foo's background and interest in cardiology, as well as the important link between climate change, environmental factors, and cardiovascular health. Dr. Foo explains how air pollution, extreme temperatures, and other environmental pollutants are major modifiable risk factors for heart disease that are often overlooked. She provides recommendations for how individuals can reduce their exposure to air pollution and make lifestyle changes to mitigate these environmental risks. The discussion covers a lot of ground, and they agree to continue the conversation in a future podcast episode to dive deeper into topics like the impact of climate change on mental health. Read more

EP347: What Do You Know About Your Appendix?

Welcome to my podcast. I am Doctor Warrick Bishop, and I want to help you to live as well as possible for as long as possible. I’m a practising cardiologist, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and the creator of The Healthy Heart Network. I have over 20 years as a specialist cardiologist and a private practice of over 10,000 patients. Dr. Warrick Bishop, a cardiologist and CEO of the Healthy Heart Network, emphasizes the importance of understanding heart health in Australia, where heart disease is a significant issue. In this podcast, he discusses a recent article on the appendix, questioning its perceived uselessness and exploring emerging research suggesting it may have important roles in gut health and the immune system. He highlights that antibiotics could serve as an alternative to appendicectomy for uncomplicated appendicitis, potentially preserving the appendix's functions. The appendix may act as a reservoir for beneficial gut bacteria, helping to restore the microbiome after infections. Additionally, it might be involved in immune system training, with studies linking its removal to increased risks of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and even some cancers. Dr. Bishop reflects on historical views of the appendix and encourages listeners to reconsider its significance. He invites listeners to join the Healthy Heart Network for resources on heart health. The podcast aims to raise awareness about heart disease and the potential implications of appendicectomy. Overall, Dr. Bishop advocates for a deeper understanding of both heart and gut health for better long-term well-being. Read more

EP346: Cholesterol and Statin Non-Believers

Welcome to my podcast. I am Doctor Warrick Bishop, and I want to help you to live as well as possible for as long as possible. I’m a practising cardiologist, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and the creator of The Healthy Heart Network. I have over 20 years as a specialist cardiologist and a private practice of over 10,000 patients. This podcast discusses common beliefs and skepticism around cholesterol and statin medications. The host, Dr. Warrick Bishop, a cardiologist, addresses misconceptions such as cholesterol not being harmful, heart disease not being caused by high cholesterol, and saturated fats not being harmful. He explains that while cholesterol levels alone don't directly predict plaque buildup, lowering cholesterol is crucial for those at high risk of heart disease. Dr. Bishop also responds to claims that the cholesterol hypothesis is incorrect, that statin side effects are underreported, and that statins deplete vital nutrients. He emphasizes that while lifestyle changes are important, medication is often necessary for those at high risk. Overall, the podcast provides a balanced perspective on the complex relationship between cholesterol, heart disease, and statin medications. Read more

EP345: 5 Highlights From PD 2024

Welcome to my podcast. I am Doctor Warrick Bishop, and I want to help you to live as well as possible for as long as possible. I’m a practising cardiologist, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and the creator of The Healthy Heart Network. I have over 20 years as a specialist cardiologist and a private practice of over 10,000 patients. The podcast is hosted by Dr. Warrick Bishop, a cardiologist and CEO of the Healthy Heart Network. He discusses highlights from the 2024 Port Douglas Heart Meeting, an important cardiology conference. Key topics covered include the use of new medical devices like the AngioVac to treat endocarditis, the trend towards earlier intervention for valve issues, the management of heart conditions in pregnant women, and the effects of intensive athletic training on the heart. Dr. Bishop also encourages listeners to get their heart health checked at virtualheartcheck.com.au Read more

EP344: Climate Change and CVD and PFO at PD 2024

Welcome to my podcast. I am Doctor Warrick Bishop, and I want to help you to live as well as possible for as long as possible. I’m a practising cardiologist, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and the creator of The Healthy Heart Network. I have over 20 years as a specialist cardiologist and a private practice of over 10,000 patients. Dr. Warrick Bishop, a cardiologist, discusses highlights from a medical conference he attended. He focuses on two key topics - the impact of climate change on cardiovascular health, and the treatment of patent foramen ovale (PFO), a common heart condition. Climate change is linked to increased inflammation, coagulation, heat stress, electrolyte imbalances, and air pollution - all of which can negatively impact heart health. Studies have shown that reducing secondhand smoke exposure can significantly lower heart attack risk in affected communities. PFO is a hole in the heart that typically closes at birth, but remains open in about 25% of people. This can allow blood clots to pass from the venous to arterial circulation, potentially causing strokes. Minimally invasive procedures can be used to close the PFO and prevent this complication. Doctor Bishop shares his own experience of having a PFO-related stroke, which resolved without lasting symptoms. He plans to have his PFO closed as a preventive measure. Read more

EP343: Triglycerides and Heart DIsease (Part 2)

Welcome to my podcast. I am Doctor Warrick Bishop, and I want to help you to live as well as possible for as long as possible. I’m a practising cardiologist, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and the creator of The Healthy Heart Network. I have over 20 years as a specialist cardiologist and a private practice of over 10,000 patients. This podcast episode discusses the importance of managing elevated triglyceride levels for heart health. The host, Dr. Warrick Bishop, explains that triglycerides are not directly involved in atherosclerosis, but are a marker of metabolic processes like insulin resistance that contribute to cardiovascular disease risk. He covers lifestyle approaches like diet, exercise, and reducing alcohol to lower triglycerides. The episode also examines the research on fish oil supplements and the medication fenofibrate as triglyceride-lowering treatments. Overall, the podcast emphasizes that while triglycerides are not the direct cause of heart disease, managing them through lifestyle and targeted interventions can be beneficial for cardiovascular health. Read more

EP342: Triglycerides and Heart Disease (Part 1)

Welcome to my podcast. I am Doctor Warrick Bishop, and I want to help you to live as well as possible for as long as possible. I’m a practising cardiologist, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and the creator of The Healthy Heart Network. I have over 20 years as a specialist cardiologist and a private practice of over 10,000 patients. Triglycerides are a type of fat that travel in the bloodstream and are associated with increased risk of heart disease. High triglyceride levels are linked to low HDL (good) cholesterol, high LDL (bad) cholesterol, and excess abdominal fat. Factors that can raise triglycerides include diet high in carbohydrates and alcohol consumption. Exercise is an effective way to lower triglyceride levels by using them as an energy source. Triglycerides themselves do not directly contribute to plaque buildup, but are a marker of overall metabolic health and cardiovascular disease risk. Read more