EP384: Will Your HDL Save You?

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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, a cardiologist and CEO of the Healthy Heart Network, discusses the complexities of HDL cholesterol, often referred to as "good" cholesterol. He explains the roles of different types of cholesterol, specifically Apo B proteins associated with LDL cholesterol, which contribute to plaque formation and cardiovascular risk. While HDL is involved in transporting cholesterol back to the liver, its protective role is more complicated than previously thought.

Dr. Bishop highlights that simply having high HDL levels does not guarantee cardiovascular health, as many studies indicate that raising HDL does not necessarily reduce the risk of heart disease. He points out that low HDL levels can be associated with increased heart attack risk, particularly in individuals with metabolic issues. However, the relationship between HDL and cardiovascular events is not straightforward, as both low and high HDL levels can pose risks. The podcast aims to clarify misconceptions around HDL cholesterol and emphasizes the importance of focusing on Apo B levels for a better understanding of cardiovascular health. Dr. Bishop encourages listeners to evaluate their heart health and seek further information on assessing their risk.

Takeaways:

  • Heart disease is a significant issue in Australia, with a heart attack occurring every 20 minutes, many of which could be preventable.
  • The podcast aims to educate listeners about important health metrics like blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol.
  • HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) is often labeled as “good cholesterol,” but its role in cardiovascular health is more complex than previously thought.
  • Cholesterol exists in the bloodstream in two main types: Apo B (associated with LDL, the “bad” cholesterol) and Apo A (associated with HDL).
  • Apo B particles are linked to plaque formation and coronary artery disease, making them crucial for assessing cardiovascular risk.
  • HDL cholesterol is involved in reverse transport, carrying cholesterol from tissues back to the liver, which may reduce coronary artery disease risk.
  • The total cholesterol to HDL ratio is used in risk calculations, but a high ratio indicates more harmful Apo B cholesterol rather than a direct benefit from HDL.
  • Research indicates that while lower HDL levels are associated with higher heart attack risk, raising HDL levels through various treatments has not consistently shown a decrease in cardiovascular events.
  • A U-shaped curve exists for HDL levels, where both very low and very high levels may increase cardiovascular risk.
  • The podcast encourages a reevaluation of the importance of HDL cholesterol in cardiovascular health and emphasizes focusing on Apo B levels for better risk assessment.

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

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