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.
In this podcast, Dr. Warrick Bishop discusses the factors influencing elevated cholesterol levels, focusing on various medical conditions and medications. He explains that elevated cholesterol can be genetic, with polygenic causes being more common than the monogenic condition known as familial hypercholesterolemia. Key conditions that can raise cholesterol include hypothyroidism, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, Cushing's syndrome, and menopause, each affecting lipid profiles differently.
Dr. Bishop emphasizes the importance of checking thyroid function, particularly in those with previous thyroid issues. He also highlights the role of certain medications, such as steroids, protease inhibitors for HIV, and some antipsychotic drugs, which can adversely affect cholesterol levels. The oral contraceptive pill is noted for its potential impact on lipid profiles as well.
Takeaways:
- Elevated cholesterol levels can be influenced by both genetic factors, such as familial hypercholesterolemia, and polygenic factors, where multiple genes contribute to the condition.
- Hypothyroidism is a key condition that can lead to increased LDL cholesterol levels by reducing the effectiveness of LDL receptors in the liver.
- Diabetes affects cholesterol levels by raising triglycerides and lowering HDL (good cholesterol), resulting in a detrimental lipid profile.
- Chronic kidney disease, particularly nephrotic syndrome, can significantly elevate cholesterol levels due to the loss of proteins through the kidneys, prompting increased cholesterol production by the liver.
- Liver diseases, such as metabolic associated fatty liver disease, can alter lipid profiles, leading to increased triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, heightening cardiovascular risk.
- Cushing’s syndrome, characterized by elevated cortisol levels, can disrupt lipid profiles by increasing triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, alongside other health issues.
- Menopause can result in increased LDL cholesterol and decreased HDL cholesterol due to the decline in estrogen levels.
- Certain medications, including long-term steroid use, protease inhibitors for HIV, and some antipsychotic drugs, can adversely affect cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- The oral contraceptive pill may also impact lipid profiles, necessitating awareness among women who use it long-term.
- Coffee consumption, particularly unfiltered coffee, can raise LDL cholesterol levels due to a compound called cafestol, which affects cholesterol metabolism; filtering coffee can mitigate this effect.
Additionally, he discusses coffee consumption, particularly the presence of cafestol in unfiltered coffee, which can increase LDL cholesterol levels significantly. Dr. Bishopin advises those concerned about cholesterol to consider filtering their coffee to reduce cafestol intake. He wraps up by encouraging listeners to be mindful of their health and cholesterol management while still enjoying their morning coffee.
Australia, like the rest of the western world, has a heart problem.
Over 9 million people around the world die from heart disease every year.
Every 10 minutes, someone in Australia suffers a heart attack. And 21 lives are lost daily because of it.
The devastating fact in all of this is…
Almost every one of those cases could have been prevented.
This podcast is for anyone who wants to improve their health literacy and gain information to help them make the best decisions about their risk of heart attack, their cholesterol, blood pressure, risk of diabetes, weight loss and general health. Join me on my personal mission journey to prevent Heart Attack on a global scale. If you like this podcast, I would be honoured by a 5-star review and appreciate if you let your friends and family know about this podcast; you may even save the life of someone you love!
Are You at Risk of a Sudden Heart Attack? How Healthy is Your Heart? Really?
Heart disease is the #1 killer in the Western World. In Australia, someone dies every 28 minutes from heart disease. That’s 51 people a day. In the US, someone has a heart attack every 40 SECONDS! Fortunately, many heart attacks are preventable. However, regular exercise and eating healthy are no guarantee you won’t succumb to this silent killer.
- 94% of Australians have at least One Risk Factor for heart disease.
- 59% of Australians have been Touched by heart disease.
- Yet only 3% of Australians have had a Full Heart-Health Assessment in the past 12 months.
Do the free heart check today at www.virtualheartcheck.com.au
Join the Healthy Heart Network and become part of our growing community!
Do You Want to Improve Your Heart’s Health and Reduce Your Risk of Suffering a Heart Attack? Join The Healthy Heart Network For Only $5 Lifetime Access (Valued at over $55)!
The Healthy Heart Network is designed to help members:
- understand the present state of their heart’s health
- recognise their current level of risk of suffering a heart attack
- Learn the positive steps they can take to improve their situation
Visit https://healthyheartnetwork.com/ and click on the JOIN THE FAMILY BUTTON
