We have the second part of our mashup on heart health today, featuring insights from Dr. Stephen Hussey and Dr. Thomas Dayspring on the real drivers of cardiac disease. 

In this episode, Dr. Hussey challenges conventional views on heart disease. Dr. Dayspring dives into the key markers for cardiovascular risk and the essential role of lifestyle changes for heart health. 

Join us for a fresh perspective on heart health.

Ep. 254 Understanding and Optimizing Heart Health with Dr. Stephen Hussey

[8:52] After experiencing a massive myocardial infarction, Dr. Hussey came to realize that chronic stress, metabolic health, and environmental factors play a far more prominent role in heart disease than is commonly acknowledged. Yet the medical system remains fixated on cholesterol as the primary cause of cardiac issues, ignoring evidence that both acute and prolonged stress can directly trigger cardiac events.

[22:11] Due to liability concerns and lack of approval, Western medicine operates within a rigid system that prioritizes standard treatments over potentially effective alternatives like intravenous magnesium sulfate for clot prevention. That limits physicians in exploring innovative approaches despite promising research.

[29:13] Dr. Hussey explains that metabolic heart attacks can occur without arterial blockages due to oxidative stress forcing the heart into an inefficient glucose-dependent state, leading to tissue death instead of cancerous growth. His insight challenges conventional views on heart disease that tie into the historical shift driven by the flawed research of Ancel Keys that vilified saturated fats while promoting processed vegetable oils.

[53:35] Heart attacks are often triggered by stress rather than just cholesterol buildup. Managing stress, along with metabolic health, inflammation, and nervous system balance, is the key to heart disease prevention, with fasting being beneficial across all three areas.

Ep. 352 Lipid Masterclass: Apo-B, Labs and Women's Heart Health with Thomas Dayspring

[00:02:33] APO(b) Levels are essential for assessing cardiovascular risk. Dr. Thomas Dayspring recommends an APO(b) below 80 mg/dL for general health and below 60 mg/dL for optimal longevity. He highlights the benefits of lifestyle interventions before considering pharmacological treatments, especially for those genetically predisposed to high APO(b).

[00:24:00] The loss of estrogen during menopause increases APO(a) protein production, leading to higher LP(a) levels. That can elevate cardiovascular risk, and factors like pregnancy complications, PCOS, and lipid issues can indicate future heart disease risk, making early monitoring and appropriate hormone therapy crucial for women's long-term health.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

• Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn
• Check out Cynthia’s website
• Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com

Connect with Dr. Stephen Hussey

• On his website
• On Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn

Connect with Dr. Thomas Dayspring

• On Twitter (@DrLipid)
• On LinkedIn