Heart Attacks are Preventable!

EP427: Talking Sports Cardiology with Dr Bavishi

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. Akash Patel, an Assistant Professor and Director of Sports Cardiology and Cardiac MRI at the University of Chicago. The episode explores sports cardiology—a specialized field focused on the cardiovascular health of athletes—and discusses how exercise affects the heart, including the paradoxical risks that can arise from extreme endurance training. Key Takeaways: Sports cardiology is an emerging specialty focused on cardiovascular health in active individuals, encompassing diagnosis, risk stratification, management, and safe return-to-play decisions for athletes of all levels. The majority of sports cardiology patients are not elite athletes but rather "weekend warriors"—former athletes in their 40s and 50s or everyday fitness enthusiasts experiencing cardiac symptoms. While overwhelming evidence shows exercise is beneficial for heart health, extreme endurance activities (particularly in running and cycling) can increase the risk of atrial fibrillation, especially in male athletes. Different types of exercise create different cardiac adaptations: static/power exercises like weightlifting cause thickened heart walls, while dynamic/endurance exercise can cause chamber enlargement. Conditions like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (unexplained heart muscle thickening) are no longer absolute contraindications to vigorous exercise, as modern research shows elite athletes with HCM can safely compete at professional levels. Genetic predisposition plays a role in exercise-related cardiac risk, but the vast majority of genetically predisposed individuals can safely exercise with appropriate management. Extreme endurance activities appear to have a threshold effect—ultramarathon runners and endurance cyclists show increased atrial fibrillation risk, possibly linked to inflammation and fibrosis detectable on cardiac MRI. Cardiac MRI and advanced echocardiography can identify early signs of fibrosis and subclinical dysfunction in endurance athletes, helping predict who may develop atrial fibrillation. Management of athlete-specific cardiac conditions requires specialized sports cardiology expertise, including tailored approaches like "pill in a pocket" medication strategies or selective cardiac ablation that avoids over-treatment. Treatment decisions for athletes with atrial fibrillation differ significantly from non-athletes, requiring careful consideration of sport type, stroke risk calculations, and whether anticoagulation therapy is appropriate. Read more

EP426: Glutathione Explained

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 Episode Summary Introduction Dr. Warrick Bishop, a cardiologist, author, and CEO of the Healthy Heart Network, hosts this episode dedicated to exploring glutathione—a vital compound in the body. The episode provides a comprehensive overview of what glutathione is, its functions, who should consider taking it, and how to optimize its levels for better health and longevity. Key Takeaways: Glutathione is a tripeptide made up of three amino acids (glutamine, cysteine, and glycine) that contains sulfur and is found in nearly every cell in the body. It serves as the body's master antioxidant and plays a central role in detoxification, reducing oxidative stress, and supporting immune function. People take glutathione to support detoxification, reduce free radical damage, boost immunity, improve skin health, and manage chronic inflammation. Intravenous glutathione delivery is preferred over oral supplements because it bypasses gut degradation and achieves higher bloodstream levels, particularly beneficial for those with severe oxidative stress or impaired absorption. Individuals who may benefit from glutathione supplementation include those with chronic illnesses, autoimmune conditions, liver disease, cancer patients undergoing therapy, and people exposed to environmental toxins or heavy physical/emotional stress. Natural glutathione levels decline with age, making supplementation consideration more important as we get older. Glutathione can be increased through sulfur-rich foods like garlic, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, as well as through whey protein rich in cysteine. Vitamin C and vitamin E help recycle glutathione, while selenium acts as a cofactor for glutathione peroxidase, so these nutrients should be considered alongside glutathione supplementation. Factors that deplete glutathione include aging, pollution, alcohol consumption, processed foods, chronic stress, smoking, and illicit drug use. Read more

EP425: Creatine Made Simple

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 Episode Summary Introduction Dr. Warrick Bishop, a cardiologist, author, and CEO of the Healthy Heart Network, hosts this episode focused on creatine supplementation. The episode explores creatine's role as a naturally occurring compound that supports both muscle energy and brain function, addressing common misconceptions and providing practical guidance on its use for optimal health. Key Takeaways: Creatine is a naturally occurring compound made from three amino acids (arginine, glycine, and methionine) that the body produces in two stages: first in the kidneys and then in the liver. Creatine functions as an energy reserve by replenishing ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the body's energy currency, making it valuable during high-intensity workouts and for brain function. The recommended maintenance dose for muscle support is 3-5 grams per day, while higher doses of 10-20 grams daily may support cognitive function and healthy aging. Creatine supplementation increases blood creatinine levels, which can falsely appear as kidney dysfunction on blood tests, though it does not actually damage kidneys—medical professionals should be informed of supplementation. Primary beneficiaries include athletes, vegetarians and vegans (who may lack adequate amino acids), older adults maintaining muscle mass and cognitive function, and people under significant physical or emotional stress. Creatine monohydrate is the most widely available, affordable, and safe form of supplementation with minimal side effects when used appropriately. Proper hydration is essential when supplementing with creatine, as the additional molecules require water to maintain osmolarity balance in the body. Emerging research suggests creatine may support cognitive function and potentially benefit individuals with chronic neurodegenerative diseases by providing neurons with additional energy support. Read more

EP424: Amazing NuCalm Interview with Jim Poole

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 Episode Summary Introduction Dr. Warrick Bishop, a cardiologist, author, and CEO of the Healthy Heart Network, interviews Jim Pool, CEO of NuCalm, a neuroscience company that uses binaural signal processing and specially composed music to modulate brainwave frequencies. The episode explores how NuCalm technology can help people achieve different mental states—from deep sleep to peak performance—by guiding the brain to specific frequency ranges, with applications ranging from surgical settings to athletic performance. Key Takeaways: The brain operates across a frequency range of 0.5 to 41 hertz, with each frequency range directly correlating to specific moods, thoughts, and behaviors—from deep sleep at 1 hertz to peak performance at 41 hertz. NuCalm uses binaural signal processing, where two slightly different frequencies are presented to each ear (e.g., 506 Hz in the right, 502 Hz in the left), and the brain calculates the difference to synchronize to the desired frequency without consciously hearing it. The technology was developed over 19 years by neuroscientist Dr. Blake Holloway and is based on influencing the reticular activating system, a primitive brain region that controls fight-or-flight versus rest-and-digest responses. At 4 hertz (the healing frequency), the body enters deep parasympathetic dominance where the mitochondria restores, cells perform cellular maintenance, and the body experiences restorative sleep benefits—equivalent to two hours of sleep in a 20-minute session. NuCalm has been clinically validated and used in over 2.7 million surgical procedures as an alternative to general anesthesia, reducing pre-operative, peri-operative, and post-operative stress while facilitating faster healing. The technology transitioned from a $6,000 FDA Class 3 medical device to a mobile app (2016-2021), making brainwave modulation accessible to the general public through six products targeting different outcomes: sleep, healing, creativity, focus, priming, and peak performance. NuCalm has been successfully implemented with elite military units and 78 professional sports teams, including the Golden State Warriors and Washington Capitals, both of which won championships after using the Ignite program. The invisible auditory signals work through the auditory motor cortex, allowing the brain to receive precise guidance toward desired frequencies without conscious awareness, making it effortless compared to meditation or other active practices. Read more

EP423: Why Vitamin B12?

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 423: Why Vitamin B12? Dr. Warwick Bishop, a cardiologist, author, and CEO of the Healthy Heart Network, hosts this episode dedicated to explaining vitamin B12 and its critical role in human health. The episode explores why B12 is essential, who is at risk of deficiency, how to detect it, and the various treatment options available, with particular emphasis on understanding different forms of B12 supplementation and genetic factors affecting B12 metabolism. Key Takeaways: Vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, healthy brain function, nerve function, and energy metabolism, making it critical for overall cellular health. B12 deficiency symptoms include fatigue, weakness, inflamed tongue (glossitis), weight loss, appetite changes, and potentially peripheral neuropathy with tingling in the feet if left untreated. Vegetarians and vegans, older adults, and people with gut conditions like Crohn's disease or celiac disease are at higher risk of B12 deficiency due to dietary sources or absorption issues. Certain medications and procedures—including long-term proton pump inhibitor use, metformin, and gastric bypass surgery—can significantly reduce B12 absorption and increase deficiency risk. B12 can be administered orally at 1,000 micrograms per day or via intramuscular or intravenous injection, with injections providing 100% bioavailability and being particularly effective for neurological symptoms. Methylcobalamin is the active, immediately usable form of B12, while cyanocobalamin is synthetic and requires the body to convert it; methylcobalamin is preferred for those with neurological symptoms or absorption issues. Up to 40% of the population may have the MTHFR gene mutation, which impairs the ability to convert B12 into its active form, making methylcobalamin supplementation essential for these individuals. IV B12 infusions offer the advantage of rapid replenishment for severe deficiencies and can be combined with other beneficial substances like vitamin C, glutathione, and magnesium for enhanced therapeutic effects. B12 deficiency should be detected through blood testing rather than waiting for symptoms to appear, and should be included in routine health screening, especially for at-risk populations. Understanding your B12 status and discussing supplementation options with your GP is important for maintaining optimal health, particularly if you have genetic factors or conditions affecting B12 metabolism. Read more

EP422: AI Movement VueMotion and the Future

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 Ryan Talbot, president and founder of ViewMotion, a company specializing in AI-driven movement analysis technology. The two met serendipitously at an airport in Santiago and discovered a shared interest in applying advanced computer vision and machine learning to health and sports performance, leading to this discussion about how movement analysis could revolutionize injury prevention and athletic performance. Key Takeaways: ViewMotion uses computer vision and machine learning to analyze human movement from standard smartphone video (4K, 60fps), converting video data into detailed movement metrics with centimeter-level accuracy by calibrating the scene with five cones. The technology generates comprehensive reports including split times, maximum speed, asymmetries between left and right legs, ground contact time, flight time, and a step quality score compared against normative datasets based on age, gender, sport, and anthropometric values. Coaches receive three prioritized recommendations for athlete improvement based on algorithmic analysis that identifies force deficiencies, velocity deficiencies, or movement deficiencies specific to each individual. The system can analyze multiple athletes rapidly (US Soccer completed 120 analyses in 14 minutes) and is used weekly by major professional sports teams across most major team sports globally. Movement analysis in natural environments is critical because injuries often occur during acceleration, deceleration, lateral movement, and direction changes—conditions that cannot be accurately measured in laboratory or static settings. AI is an umbrella term encompassing multiple technologies including computer vision (using imaging/video), machine learning (using learning models), and large language models, which ViewMotion combines for comprehensive movement analysis. Identifying and correcting movement asymmetries is essential for injury prevention, as imbalances create compounding negative effects and improper movement patterns often result from inadequate initial training or incomplete rehabilitation after injury. Visual feedback through augmented reality overlays on video is crucial for athlete buy-in and learning, as numerical data alone from GPS and force plates is less effective for understanding what improvements are needed and why. Read more

EP421: 60 Year Old Male Aging with Dr Khanh Part 3

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. Khan from the Austin Regenerative Therapy Center for their third conversation on anti-aging medicine. In this episode, they conduct a detailed case study analyzing Dr. Bishop's own health metrics and discussing personalized anti-aging interventions, moving beyond general principles to practical clinical application. Key Takeaways: A comprehensive anti-aging assessment begins with an extensive intake form, medical history review, family genetics, and detailed lab panels including hormones, lipoproteins, glucose markers, and inflammatory indicators. Key biomarkers to track include lipoprotein B, hemoglobin A1C, fasting insulin, sex hormones, thyroid function, vitamin D, DHEA, cortisol, homocysteine, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation linked to coronary disease). Low free testosterone in aging men can be effectively addressed through testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), which has been shown to reduce mortality and prostate cancer risk—contrary to previous misconceptions—and should be considered when PSA levels are normal. Multiple testosterone replacement options exist, including injectable testosterone (intramuscular or subcutaneous twice weekly), pellet insertion, and newer oral forms like Kaseates, with choice depending on individual preference and fertility considerations. Peptide therapies like BPC-157 (body protection compound) complement hormone replacement by enhancing tissue repair and recovery, allowing patients to train harder with reduced injury risk. Growth hormone-releasing peptides work synergistically with testosterone to improve muscle building, fat loss, bone density, cognitive function, and lipid profiles while supporting faster recovery from exercise. VO2 max is among the most predictive health and longevity markers, with high-intensity interval training being the most effective method to improve it, complemented by strength training to maintain muscle mass. Hormonal optimization and peptide therapy amplify the benefits of exercise rather than replacing it, making training more efficient and effective for body composition and energy improvements. Read more

EP420: Anti-Aging Toolkit with Dr Khanh 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. Episode Summary Introduction: Dr. Warwick Bishop, a cardiologist and CEO of the Healthy Heart Network, hosts this second part of a two-part episode featuring Dr. Khanh from a regenerative therapy center in Austin, Texas. The episode focuses on practical anti-aging therapies and techniques, building on previous discussions about hormone optimization and prevention medicine. Key Takeaways: Comprehensive hormone testing should include total and free testosterone, DHEA, full thyroid panel, cortisol, ferritin, inflammation markers (CRP, hsCRP), homocysteine, and vitamin D, with insulin being the single most important test if only one is available. Hormonal peak performance occurs between ages 18-25, with decline beginning after 30, making mid-30s an appropriate time to consider hormone optimization based on symptoms rather than age alone. Hormone replacement therapy is not necessarily a lifetime commitment; patients can discontinue, but will typically experience a return to age-related decline and lose protective benefits against heart disease, stroke, and dementia. IV vitamin, mineral, and NAD+ therapies are more effective than oral supplementation due to depleted soil nutrients and provide direct cellular energy support for mitochondrial function and ATP production. Peptides are natural amino acid sequences copied and synthesized in compounding pharmacies that signal the body to perform specific tasks such as repair, recovery, immune modulation, telomere length extension, and brain protection. The sequence and timing of peptide therapy is critical; using peptides in the wrong order can produce short-term benefits followed by negative effects, requiring careful strategic planning like servicing a car before high performance driving. GLP-1 peptides (like semaglutide and tirzepatide) extend far beyond weight loss, providing cardiovascular, brain, and gut protection when properly monitored with attention to muscle mass preservation and adequate protein intake. Successful weight loss peptide therapy involves training patients on proper nutrition and protein intake while monitoring body composition rather than scale weight, with transition to preventive low-dose maintenance once healthy body composition is achieved. Read more

EP419: Talking Anti-Aging Medicine with Dr Khanh 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. Podcast Summary Introduction Dr. Warwick Bishop, a cardiologist, hosts this episode with Dr. Khan Quen, an anti-aging medicine specialist from Austin, Texas, whom he recently met at an event. The episode explores the shift from reactive, symptom-suppressing medicine to proactive, preventative anti-aging medicine, with Dr. Khan sharing his personal journey from ICU critical care to optimizing patients' health and longevity. Key Takeaways: Mainstream medicine is primarily reactive, waiting until people become sick before intervening, whereas anti-aging medicine focuses on prevention and early identification of health issues before they become serious problems. Dr. Khan transitioned from traditional internal medicine and critical care after experiencing burnout and being diagnosed with Graves disease, which prompted him to shift his medical philosophy toward understanding root causes rather than just treating symptoms. Hormone optimization is described as a "quick win" and foundation of anti-aging medicine, with proper hormone levels reducing risks of dementia, depression, osteoporosis, heart disease, and stroke regardless of gender. For men, optimal testosterone levels should be around 900-1200 ng/dL for protective effects against heart disease, stroke, dementia, and depression—a range higher than what standard age-based "normal" ranges suggest is acceptable. Comprehensive blood work serves as the diagnostic baseline, similar to servicing a vehicle, allowing physicians to identify subclinical conditions and optimize hormone levels before they become clinical diseases. Normal ranges for hormone levels differ significantly from optimized ranges; being within normal limits for age does not mean a patient is optimized for health and vitality. Hormone replacement therapy, when properly monitored and personalized, enhances existing traits rather than fundamentally changing personality, addressing common myths and fears about treatment side effects. Lifestyle optimization is the primary foundation before considering any medical interventions, making it the first step in Dr. Khan's anti-aging protocol. Many patients presenting as "healthy" actually have subclinical issues like low-grade inflammation, poorly controlled blood sugar, and suboptimal hormone levels that create opportunity for optimization before disease develops. The goal is to extend both lifespan and "health span"—the years lived in good health with energy, drive, and functional capacity—much like maintaining a valued vehicle through regular servicing. Read more

EP418: Allergic vs Idiosyncratic vs Tolerance and Doing it Naturally

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 Summary Dr. Warrick Bishop, a cardiologist, CEO of the Healthy Heart Network, and author, hosts this episode to address two common patient conversations: statin intolerance and the preference for natural approaches to managing cholesterol and blood pressure. The episode focuses on helping patients understand different types of medication reactions and providing a realistic framework for considering pharmaceutical interventions alongside lifestyle choices. Key Takeaways: Allergic reactions to medications (anaphylaxis) are rare but serious and warrant discontinuing the medication entirely; they involve eosinophil-driven immune responses and require immediate medical intervention with adrenaline. Idiosyncratic reactions are unpredictable and unexplained adverse responses (like blood clots from the AstraZeneca vaccine) that occur in very small populations; medications should never be reintroduced after such reactions. Tolerance to medications is the most common type of adverse reaction and is manageable by finding the individual's optimal dosage level—similar to how people have vastly different tolerances to alcohol or foods like tomatoes. The goal of reintroducing statins for intolerant patients is to identify their personal tolerance threshold through gradual dose adjustment (from very low doses to various frequencies) rather than abandoning the medication entirely. Human DNA evolved 2-3 million years ago to support survival into the late teens or early 20s, not the 70s, 80s, or 90s we now expect to live. Modern medicine and public health have allowed humans to significantly outlive their original biological blueprint, meaning we must actively use science and medication to "outsmart our DNA" for longevity. Taking beneficial medications after age 20-30 is not "giving in to Big Pharma" but rather a smart strategy to maximize both lifespan and quality of life. The philosophy is to help patients "live as well as possible for as long as possible," which means finding medication regimens that provide health benefits without making patients miserable. Read more