Heart Attacks are Preventable!

EP439: Does Stress Cause Cancer?

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. Episode Introduction Dr. Warrick Bishop, a cardiologist, author, keynote speaker, and CEO of the Healthy Heart Network, hosts this solo episode focused on the relationship between stress and cancer. Drawing on a large-scale meta-analysis, Dr. Bishop explores the widely held belief that chronic stress directly causes cancer and what the science actually reveals. The episode aims to both inform and reassure listeners who may be carrying unnecessary guilt around a cancer diagnosis. Key Takeaways: Approximately 50% of people believe chronic stress directly causes cancer, a belief reinforced by powerful anecdotes and the fact that cancer and major life stressors often peak at similar life stages. A large meta-analysis pooling data from 22 cohorts across over 400,000 people and 35,000+ cancer cases found no direct link between stress and cancer. Five stress domains were studied — relationship status, perceived social support, bereavement, general distress, and neuroticism — and none showed a clear connection to any cancer type. Even high levels of anxiety and neuroticism showed no measurable link to increased cancer risk across any cancer type. Some associations between stress factors (e.g., bereavement, social isolation) and lung cancer largely disappeared once smoking was accounted for, suggesting stress-driven behaviors — not stress itself — were the real risk factor. Stress can indirectly raise cancer risk by driving unhealthy coping behaviors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor sleep, and poor diet. People who have experienced cancer should not blame themselves for past stress, as the evidence does not support stress as a direct cause. Social connection is a powerful protective factor, while isolation is a meaningful risk factor across multiple health outcomes, including cancer. Stress management remains important not because stress causes cancer, but because it affects quality of life and can lead to harmful behavioral choices. Cardiovascular health is a separate concern — depression and anxiety are still associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk, even if the cancer link is unsupported. Read more

EP438: What on Earth is EECP and how can it help?

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. Episode Introduction In this episode, Dr. Warrick Bishop, a cardiologist and CEO of the Healthy Heart Network, speaks with Jack Clifford, a 52-year-old former military professional from Florida. Jack suffered a severe heart attack in 2020 with three blocked coronary arteries and, facing emergency bypass surgery, chose to explore an alternative therapy called Enhanced External Counterpulsation (EECP). The conversation centers on Jack's personal journey with EECP and the broader potential of this lesser-known medical technology. Key Takeaways: EECP (Enhanced External Counterpulsation) uses compression cuffs on the legs to push blood upward toward the heart during diastole (the heart's rest phase), improving coronary blood flow without surgery. Jack had three coronary arteries blocked to a degree deemed unsuitable for stenting, making bypass surgery the standard recommendation — a route he ultimately declined. Concerns about cognitive decline following bypass surgery, witnessed through his mother's experience, motivated Jack to seek an alternative treatment path. EECP stimulates the release of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hematopoietic stem cells, encouraging the body to grow its own new blood vessels over time. The therapy is described as functioning like cardiovascular exercise at "supra-physiologic" levels — delivering benefits beyond what even a highly fit person could achieve through normal exercise. Benefits of EECP extend well beyond cardiac care, with research suggesting positive effects on erectile dysfunction, kidney function, and cognitive decline, including a 2023 study showing reversal of dementia symptoms. Jack has accumulated approximately 700 hours on EECP — potentially more than any other individual — and reports significant improvements in organ function and visible increases in vascularity throughout his body. Despite being one of the most researched medical devices available, EECP remains largely unknown, even among medical professionals, and access is severely limited in the United States compared to countries like India and China. The standard clinical protocol of 35 hours of EECP treatment, while beneficial, may significantly underestimate the therapy's full potential, as Jack's extended use suggests compounding benefits over hundreds of hours. The mechanism of shear stress on blood vessel walls — triggered by the pressure differentials created by EECP — appears to be a key driver of new blood vessel growth throughout the body. Read more

EP437: The Power of Mitochondria

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. Episode Introduction Dr. Warrick Bishop, a cardiologist, author, keynote speaker, and CEO of the Healthy Heart Network, hosts this solo episode focused on mitochondrial health. He explores how mitochondria function far beyond their traditional role as cellular energy producers, examining their connection to aging, inflammation, and chronic disease. The episode aims to help listeners understand how supporting mitochondrial health can be foundational to overall wellbeing and longevity. Key Takeaways: Mitochondria are more than just cellular "power plants" — they also play roles in decision-making, inflammation regulation, and the aging process. Mitochondrial biogenesis (the creation of new mitochondria) is stimulated by exercise, fasting, and hot/cold exposure, all of which work through a master metabolic switch involving molecules like PGC1-alpha and AMP kinase. Greater mitochondrial density in cells is linked to improved endurance, better metabolic health, stronger brain and muscle function, and slower aging. Damaged mitochondria can leak and trigger inflammatory cascades, contributing to low-grade chronic inflammation — a silent driver of heart disease, Alzheimer's, obesity, and bone deterioration. As we age, the body becomes less efficient at clearing damaged mitochondria, allowing inflammation-promoting mitochondria to accumulate throughout the body. Mitochondrial dysfunction may be a common molecular foundation underlying many age-related diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, heart disease, cancer, and immune conditions. Exercise is described as the single most impactful intervention for mitochondrial health, with high-intensity interval training and resistance training being especially beneficial. Caloric restriction is the only intervention proven across multiple organisms to extend lifespan, making it a significant tool alongside exercise for longevity. Supplements such as NAD+, its precursors NMN and nicotinamide riboside, resveratrol, and PQQ show promise for mitochondrial support, though outcome data remains limited. Quality sleep, breathwork, and stress management are foundational to mitochondrial and overall health, as recovery during sleep is essential for cellular repair processes. Read more

EP436: The Amazing C15 Story with Danielle Cole

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. Introduction Dr. Warrick Bishop, an Australian cardiologist, author, and CEO of the Healthy Heart Network, hosts this episode focused on a newly recognized essential fatty acid called C15 (pentadecanoic acid). His guest is Danielle Cole, Head of Sales for Fatty 15, a supplement company built around this nutrient. Dr. Bishop shares that he and his wife have personally been taking C15 for nearly a year, making this his first public discussion of the supplement. Key Takeaways: C15 (pentadecanoic acid) is only the third essential fatty acid ever discovered, joining omega-3s and omega-6s as nutrients the body cannot produce on its own. Approximately one in three people globally are critically deficient in C15, largely due to changes in modern farming practices and reduced consumption of full-fat dairy. C15 was discovered through a U.S. Navy dolphin health program, where veterinary epidemiologist Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson identified C15 deficiency as the cause of human-like diseases in aging dolphins. The nutrient's primary role is to strengthen cell walls and improve cell signaling, complementing omega-3s which focus on cellular flexibility. C15 activates AMPK and inhibits mTOR pathways — the same mechanisms targeted by metformin and berberine — supporting insulin sensitivity and metabolic health. A C15 deficiency can contribute to a condition called "cellular fragility syndrome," which is linked to elevated cholesterol, insulin resistance, and accelerated cellular aging. People who are dairy-free face the highest risk of critical C15 deficiency, as full-fat, grass-fed dairy is the primary dietary source. C15 is recommended for all ages, including infants, since babies initially receive this nutrient through breast milk and may start life deficient if the mother is dairy-free or deficient. Testing for C15 levels is available through providers like Genova, with more accessible at-home testing options reportedly in development. No known contraindications or interactions with medications or other supplements have been identified with C15 supplementation. Read more

EP435: Talking Diabetes

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. Introduction: Dr. Warrick Bishop, a cardiologist, author, keynote speaker, and CEO of the Healthy Heart Network, hosts this solo episode focused on diabetes. He explores what diabetes is, why it matters, and what individuals can do to prevent or manage it, framing it within the broader context of cardiometabolic disease. Key Takeaways: Diabetes results from either insufficient insulin production (Type 1) or the body's poor response to insulin, known as insulin resistance (Type 2). Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition most common in teenagers, requiring insulin replacement therapy, while Type 2 develops gradually in older, often overweight individuals. Prediabetes represents an early stage before blood sugar reaches clinically diagnostic levels, making it a critical window for intervention. Uncontrolled blood sugar causes widespread organ damage, increasing risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, kidney disease, and eye conditions. Early detection of insulin resistance using fasting insulin levels and the HOMA equation can help identify risk before blood sugar levels become dangerously elevated. Reducing carbohydrate intake — including seemingly healthy foods like whole grain bread — is essential, as all carbohydrates ultimately break down into sugar. Lifestyle changes including regular exercise, weight loss, improved sleep, and stress management significantly improve insulin resistance. Medications such as GLP-1 agonists (e.g., Ozempic, Wegovy) and SGLT2 inhibitors not only control blood sugar but also improve cardiovascular and kidney outcomes. Abdominal fat is a key warning sign for Type 2 diabetes risk and should prompt medical evaluation and lifestyle changes. Read more

EP434: Sugar, Fish, and Fasting

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 on Sugar, Fish, and Fasting: What the Latest Research Shows Dr. Warrick Bishop, a cardiologist, author, keynote speaker, and CEO of the Healthy Heart Network, hosts this solo episode focused on helping listeners live as well and as long as possible. He examines three commonly held health beliefs — that sugar-free drinks are safe, that more fish is always better, and that intermittent fasting is universally beneficial — and challenges each with recent research findings. Key Takeaways: Sugar-sweetened beverages are widely consumed and provide very little satiety while carrying a high metabolic load, making them a significant health concern. Fructose, commonly added to fizzy drinks and confectionary mixes, is particularly harmful because it is processed almost entirely in the liver, where it drives fat production and accumulation. Excess fructose consumption is a leading driver of fatty liver disease (MASLD), which can progress to liver cirrhosis and has overtaken alcohol and hepatitis as a primary cause. Sugar-free drinks are not a safe alternative — they appear to negatively affect the gut microbiome and carry their own independent metabolic risks. Plain water is recommended as the best beverage choice to avoid both sugar and artificial sweetener-related risks. Large fish accumulate higher levels of mercury due to ocean toxin exposure, and Europeans now recommend limiting consumption of these fish to no more than two to three times per week. Chelation therapy may be worth exploring for individuals concerned about heavy metal exposure from fish, old paint, leaded petrol, or aging pipes. A study on time-restricted eating found that when total calorie intake remained unchanged, there was no significant metabolic improvement, suggesting calorie reduction may be a key driver of its benefits. Timing matters with intermittent fasting — loading all calories into a late-night meal reduces post-meal activity and limits the opportunity for metabolic benefit. In practice, time-restricted eating naturally tends to reduce overall calorie intake, which may explain the benefits observed outside of controlled study conditions. Read more

EP433: Sleep Hormones & Bone Health

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, author, and CEO of the Healthy Heart Network, hosts this solo episode focused on two key health topics: the effectiveness of sleep sounds and the role of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in bone health. Drawing on recent research, he breaks down practical findings aimed at helping listeners live healthier, longer lives. Key Takeaways: White noise disrupts sleep by reducing deep sleep and shifting people toward lighter, less restorative sleep stages. Pink noise, often used in sleep apps, was found to reduce REM sleep and provided no measurable benefit for deep sleep quality. Combining pink noise with additional environmental noise made sleep quality even worse, reducing both deep and REM sleep. Earplugs were shown to restore normal sleep patterns, suggesting that silence is more beneficial than any background noise for quality rest. A large study of nearly 140,000 women found that early HRT led to better bone health outcomes compared to no HRT, with clear benefits emerging by the five-year mark. No significant difference in bone health outcomes was observed at three years, highlighting that bone loss and protection are slow, gradual processes. Estrogen plays a protective role in bone density, and postmenopausal estrogen decline is a key driver of osteoporosis risk in women. Early initiation of HRT is more effective than starting later, as waiting until bone loss is advanced makes it harder to reverse. HRT benefits are not universal and should be individually assessed in consultation with a general practitioner, not self-administered. Read more

EP432: Wash Your Mouth Out - Dr Bueno and the Importance of Oral Microbiota

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. Podcast Summary Introduction Dr. Warrick Bishop, a cardiologist, author, and CEO of the Healthy Heart Network, hosts this episode featuring Dr. Diana Buona, a dentist with 25 years of experience specializing in oral inflammation and chronic disease. The episode explores the critical connection between oral health, specifically oral microbiota and gum disease, and systemic health conditions affecting the entire body. Key Takeaways: The mouth contains the second-largest microbiota ecosystem in the body, with approximately 700 species of microorganisms, about 20 of which are pathogenic or opportunistic and can cause disease and chronic inflammation. Biofilm (dental plaque) is a dynamic ecosystem that matures and changes over time, attracting increasingly pathogenic bacteria when conditions favor dysbiosis, similar to how the gut microbiota becomes imbalanced. Bleeding gums are a critical warning sign indicating chronic inflammation and should never be considered normal; they signal that the immune system is fighting inflammation in the gum tissue. Inflamed gums develop permeable blood vessels that allow inflammatory molecules and bacterial toxins to enter the bloodstream, spreading localized oral inflammation throughout the entire body. Poor oral hygiene and high-sugar diets promote pathogenic bacteria proliferation in the mouth, while regular biofilm removal through flossing, water picks, and professional cleanings are essential for disease prevention. The oral microbiota directly interacts with and affects the gut microbiota; therefore, assessing and maintaining both simultaneously is important for overall health rather than focusing on the gut microbiota alone. Inflammatory molecules from infected gums can reach remote organs like the heart, triggering conditions such as atrial fibrillation, as evidenced by a case where treating severe periodontal disease resolved recurring heart rhythm problems. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and travel to heart valves, causing bacterial endocarditis, a serious life-threatening infection of the heart's inner lining. Read more

EP431: Cholesterol: What are we really talking about?

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. Podcast Summary Introduction Dr. Warrick Bishop, a cardiologist, author, and CEO of the Healthy Heart Network, hosts this episode to demystify cholesterol—a term frequently misunderstood in public discourse. This episode, part of the "Cholesterol Explained" series, aims to clarify what cholesterol actually is and why distinguishing between different forms of cholesterol is critical for understanding cardiovascular health. Key Takeaways: Cholesterol is a lipid molecule with a carbon ring structure that doesn't dissolve in water and naturally occurs in all animal cell membranes to provide integrity and protection. Cholesterol serves essential biological functions beyond heart health, including serving as the foundation for hormone production (estradiol, testosterone, progesterone) and the formation of bile for fat digestion. Cholesterol in the bloodstream primarily exists as a cholesterol ester (connected to a fatty acid molecule) rather than as a free molecule, which is an important distinction often missed in popular discussions. Cholesterol travels through the bloodstream in lipoprotein particles—complex protein structures that carry lipids, with LDL and HDL particles being the two most important types measured in blood tests. LDL particles are characterized by the protein APO-B100, while HDL particles are characterized by APO-1A, and these structural differences significantly affect how they behave in the body. The same cholesterol ester molecule poses cardiovascular risks when carried in LDL particles but does not cause problems when carried in HDL particles, making the particle type more important than the cholesterol molecule itself. Research demonstrates that lowering LDL cholesterol can reduce future cardiovascular events, while HDL cholesterol does not present the same risk profile despite carrying similar molecular cargo. The key takeaway is that "cholesterol is not cholesterol is not cholesterol"—understanding which particle carries the cholesterol is essential for evaluating cardiovascular health risk. Read more

EP430: Cancer Journey and IV Clinics With Rosy McEvedy

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. Podcast Summary Introduction Dr. Warrick Bishop, a cardiologist, author, and CEO of the Healthy Heart Network, hosts this episode with returning guest Rosie McAveety, founder of Ivy League clinics across Australia. With a background in pharmacy and nursing, Rosie discusses how IV therapy clinics can support cancer patients throughout their treatment journey by working collaboratively with oncologists and medical specialists. Key Takeaways: IV therapy clinics support cancer patients both pre-treatment and post-treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery) while maintaining close collaboration with the patient's oncologist or GP to ensure safety. The goal is not to offer alternative cures but to support conventional medical care by strengthening the immune system, improving quality of life, and helping the body fight cancer effectively. Glutathione, known as the "master antioxidant," is essential for detoxifying the liver during chemotherapy and radiation when the body is exposed to many toxic chemicals. Common supportive infusion protocols include zinc, magnesium, vitamin C, alpha lipoic acid, and vitamin D, which help maintain immune function during cancer treatment. Pre-treatment infusions strengthen the body before chemotherapy or radiation, while post-treatment infusions support the recovery process and reduce acute illnesses like colds and flu. Curcumin (an extract of turmeric) and mistletoe injections are emerging therapies used in European oncology centers that show promise in supporting the immune system during cancer treatment. German integrative oncology centers alternate modern cancer-killing treatments with supportive therapies (infusions, nutrition, meditation) throughout the week to optimize both killing cancer cells and maintaining cellular health. IV hydration provides immediate improvement in patient well-being, particularly for those experiencing chemotherapy-related loss of appetite and difficulty eating or drinking normally. Read more