Tag Archives | heart

EP 770

770: The Heart Disease Risk Factor Most Women Aren’t Watching: What Your Blood Sugar and Insulin Can Reveal with Dr. Philip Ovadia

September 3, 2026 in Podcast, Women’s Health 0

Listen to the Episode Here

Or, listen on your favorite app: iTunes (Apple Podcasts) | Stitcher | Spotify | Pocketcasts

Episode Summary

What if the cholesterol numbers you’ve been watching aren’t telling you the whole story about your heart?

In this episode, Dr. Mariza sits down with cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Philip Ovadia to explore why he believes metabolic dysfunction and insulin resistance deserve far more attention when assessing cardiovascular risk, especially for women entering perimenopause and menopause.

Dr. Ovadia shares what he’s learned after 25 years in heart surgery, including why he’s now routinely operating on patients in their 40s and even 30s. They break down the metabolic warning signs that can appear decades before advanced heart disease, from rising blood pressure and waist circumference to fasting insulin, glucose, triglycerides, and HDL.

You’ll also hear their discussion about cholesterol and advanced lipid testing, how changing hormones can affect women’s cardiometabolic health, and why resistance training, real food, muscle, sleep, and blood sugar stability matter.

Plus, Dr. Ovadia explains how continuous glucose monitors can provide real-time insight into your metabolic health and the heart imaging he recommends women discuss with their healthcare providers.

Listen now to discover the metabolic clues your body may be giving you today and how to start protecting your heart for decades to come.

DR. PHILIP OVADIA

Dr. Philip Ovadia is a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon, founder of Ovadia Heart Health Center, and author of Stay Off My Operating Table and Stay Off My Kitchen Table.

After performing thousands of heart surgeries, Dr. Ovadia shifted part of his work toward prevention, helping patients identify and address metabolic dysfunction before it progresses to advanced cardiovascular disease. His virtual practice focuses on improving metabolic health as a strategy for reducing heart disease risk.

IN THIS EPISODE

  1. Why Dr. Ovadia believes insulin resistance deserves more attention in heart disease prevention
  2. The five basic metabolic markers he wants women tracking
  3. Why your personal blood pressure baseline matters in midlife
  4. What fasting insulin can reveal before blood sugar becomes obviously abnormal
  5. Why cholesterol alone may not give you the complete picture of cardiovascular risk
  6. How muscle and resistance training support metabolic and heart health
  7. What a continuous glucose monitor can teach you about food, energy, and blood sugar
  8. When Dr. Ovadia recommends considering coronary artery calcium imaging

QUOTES

“It’s never too early to start thinking about this, but it’s also never too late.”

“Cholesterol is not the main thing driving heart disease.”

“Low-fat diets, they simply don’t work.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution

Stop surviving and start thriving, join Midlife on Fire Collective now

Stay Off My Operating Table by Dr. Philip Ovadia

Dr. Ovadia Website

Dr. Ovadia Facebook

Dr. Ovadia Instagram

Dr. Ovadia Youtube

RELATED EPISODES 

769: Is It Perimenopause or Something Else? How to Finally Connect the Dots with Dr. Mariza

750: The Underlying Cellular Cause of Midlife Fatigue, Brain Fog & Low Motivation with Andrew Salzman

650: Unlock Your Health: The Ultimate Biomarker & Lab Blueprint to Thrive in Midlife and Beyond

Free Download: Easy, Practical Tips to Get More Energy!

Download the free Energy-Boosting Cheat Sheet now to learn how to unlock abundant health and energy that lasts—in only seconds every day!

Read More
EP 743 (2)

743: Why Your Heart Risk Changes in Menopause (And What You Can Do About It) with Dr. Jayne Morgan

May 5, 2026 in Podcast, Women’s Health 0

Listen to the Episode Here

Or, listen on your favorite app: iTunes (Apple Podcasts) | Stitcher | Spotify | Pocketcasts

Episode Summary

“Why is heart disease still the #1 killer of women—and why aren’t we talking about it?”

In this episode, Dr. Mariza sits down with Jayne Morgan to unpack the overlooked connection between perimenopause, menopause, and cardiovascular risk.

Most women are told menopause is just about hormones and symptoms—but it’s actually a vascular transition that directly impacts your heart, blood vessels, and long-term health.

Together, they break down why women are often misdiagnosed, why key risk markers are missed, and what you can do to advocate for yourself early—before a major event happens.

If you’re in your 40s or beyond, this conversation could change how you think about your health—and your future.

Be sure to tune in!

DR. JAYNE MORGAN

Dr. Jayne Morgan is a leading cardiologist and national voice in women’s cardiovascular health. She is passionate about redefining “preventive care” for women—shifting the focus from reproductive health alone to include heart health, vascular function, and long-term longevity.

IN THIS EPISODE

  1. Why heart disease is still the #1 killer of women—and widely overlooked
  2. How perimenopause and menopause impact vascular health
  3. Why women are often misdiagnosed in cardiac and stroke events
  4. The critical labs every woman should be asking for (including Lp(a))
  5. How inflammation, stress, and caregiving burden increase risk
  6. Why movement (not just exercise) is essential for longevity
  7. The real role of hormone therapy in protecting heart health

QUOTES

“Real preventive medicine for women is preventive cardiovascular medicine.”

“Menopause is not just a hormonal transition—it’s a vascular one.”

“If you don’t measure it, you can’t manage it.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution

Dr. Jayne Morgan Website

Dr. Jayne Morgan Instagram

Dr. Jayne Morgan Youtube

RELATED EPISODES 

723: Estrogen, Insulin & Heart Disease: Why Your Risk Rises in Midlife

711: Estrogen, Inflammation, and Your Heart Health: What Every Woman Needs to Know with Dr. Sanjay Bhojra

675: Feeling Off After 40? The Surprising Vitality Molecule to Reignite Your Energy, Libido & Confidence with Cathy Eason 

741: Estrogen, Gut Health, and Metabolism with Siobhan Mitchell

Free Download: Easy, Practical Tips to Get More Energy!

Download the free Energy-Boosting Cheat Sheet now to learn how to unlock abundant health and energy that lasts—in only seconds every day!

Read More
EP723-Estrogen,-Insulin-&-Heart-Disease--Why-Your-Risk-Rises-in-Midlife-Tuesday-Q&A

723: Estrogen, Insulin & Heart Disease: Why Your Risk Rises in Midlife

February 24, 2026 in Podcast, Women’s Health 0

Listen to the Episode Here

Or, listen on your favorite app: iTunes (Apple Podcasts) | Stitcher | Spotify | Pocketcasts

Episode Summary

For most of the past century, more women than men have died from cardiovascular disease. Yet, heart disease is still widely perceived as a male problem. 

That’s why in this episode, we dive into why cardiovascular and metabolic health are essential for women, especially in midlife, and why education is your greatest tool. 

You’ll gain the confidence to advocate for yourself and make informed decisions about your long-term health. I’ll also be sharing my favorite simple habits to kickstart your metabolism, protect your heart, and boost your everyday energy. 

Remember, it never has to be perfect—consistency builds momentum, and that’s where real change begins. 

Tune in here to gain key insight and prioritize yourself and your longevity!

IN THIS EPISODE

  1. Recognizing the warning signs of cardiovascular disease 
  2. Labs and markers you should be asking your physician for 
  3. Why lifestyle medicine matters SO much in midlife 
  4. How to build metabolically healthy plates for each meal
  5. Setting simple movement goals for optimal heart health
  6. The massive benefits of sleep, mindfulness, and breath work
  7. Supplements to support your cardiovascular and metabolic health
  8. The pros of appropriately timed hormone replacement therapy 

QUOTES

“Heart disease kills more women than all cancers combined. Not breast cancer, not ovarian cancer. All cancers combined. And what’s even more alarming for most women, the warning signs begin years- sometimes decades- before a heart attack or stroke ever happens.” 

“Research shows that insulin resistance is a primary driver of cardio metabolic disease in women, especially after menopause.”

“You do not need perfection. You need 7,000 steps per day, walking after meals, fewer long sitting stretches. Get up and move your butt, even if it means walking around your house or going around the block. Start building your life around movement. This is one of the most powerful yet underestimated tools for heart health and for your resilience.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution HERE!

Order your Berkeley Life Nitric Oxide Support Supplement HERE!

RELATED EPISODES 

716: Midlife, Hormones & Heart Health: The Critical Connection You’re Not Hearing About with Cathy Eason

711: Estrogen, Inflammation, and Your Heart Health: What Every Woman Needs to Know with Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj

690: The Perimenopause Revolution: Why midlife isn’t the end — it’s the beginning of your most energized, powerful, and vibrant self

686: Your Second Puberty Explained: What’s Really Happening to Your Body in Perimenopause 

Free Download: Easy, Practical Tips to Get More Energy!

Download the free Energy-Boosting Cheat Sheet now to learn how to unlock abundant health and energy that lasts—in only seconds every day!

Read More
Energized-podcast-Dr.-Sanjay-Bhojra

711: Estrogen, Inflammation, and Your Heart Health: What Every Woman Needs to Know with Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj

January 13, 2026 in Podcast, Women’s Health 0

Listen to the Episode Here

Or, listen on your favorite app: iTunes (Apple Podcasts) | Stitcher | Spotify | Pocketcasts

Episode Summary

Believe it or not, but there is as much cardiovascular risk associated with smoking as there is with the drop in estrogen in perimenopause and menopause. 

But don’t worry–  I’ve brought the hilarious, talented, and brilliant Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj onto the podcast to dive into why midlife is a uniquely important—and often overlooked—window for cardiometabolic health, and what you can do about it. 

In this entertaining episode, Dr. Bhojraj breaks down why the drop in estrogen matters just as much as traditional risk factors and why so many women’s concerns are missed in conventional care. 

We also reframe hormone therapy not as symptom management, but as a powerful tool for optimization, longevity, and long-term heart and metabolic health. 

With humor and clarity, this conversation reminds you that you don’t need to overhaul your entire life —small, strategic changes truly add up.

Tune in here to learn how to simply and efficiently boost your health, starting with your heart! 

Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj

Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj is an interventional cardiologist and Institute for Functional Medicine–certified physician who bridges conventional cardiology with functional and lifestyle medicine. He spent 20 years treating disease with procedures and medications, but then shifted his focus toward uncovering root causes to help patients reverse chronic cardiometabolic conditions through food, sleep, stress optimization, and lifestyle change. Dr. Sanjay is the founder of the Well12 program and host of The Curious Cardiologist podcast, where he explores the science of longevity, inflammation, and human performance. His passion is helping people reclaim their health through simple, lasting changes.

IN THIS EPISODE

  1. How Dr. Bhojraj moved into functional cardiac medicine 
  2. What age to start paying closer attention to cardiovascular health
  3. Advocating for yourself and what labs you should be asking for 
  4. Why taking care of your cardiovascular health is crucial during midlife hormonal changes 
  5. Looking at your metabolic health before starting HRT 
  6. Metabolic markers to pay attention to in midlife 
  7. Non-negotiable small tweaks to improve your heart health 
  8. How bringing joy to your life can be the best tool for your health 

QUOTES

“We need to talk about sleep, we need to have an intelligent discussion about diet and what that means. And we need to think about hormones too, because hormonal health is so central to cardiovascular health, and that is just not something that we talk about in cardiovascular training.”

“It’s like contributing to your 401k in your twenties, right? Like $200 doesn’t seem like a lot, but when you’re 65, you’re now retiring a millionaire– depending on how well you invest, because you made those small, little, little habits, those little changes. So that decade of the forties becomes super important, particularly because in women, that’s when perimenopause starts to happen, right?”

“The point is that I think first of all, start with something that you can do, right? Again, it’s 1% shifts. You don’t have to change a thousand different things.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution

Check out Dr. Sanjay’s Signature Well12 Metabolic Program HERE! 

Dr. Sanjay’s Website 

Dr. Sanjay on Instagram

Dr. Sanjay’s Podcast: The Curious Cardioloist 

Dr. Sanjay on Facebook

RELATED EPISODES 

704: Hormone Intelligence for Women in Midlife: How to Thrive Through Perimenopause with Dr. Aviva Romm

690: The Perimenopause Revolution: Why midlife isn’t the end — it’s the beginning of your most energized, powerful, and vibrant self

678: How to Turn Perimenopause Into Your Metabolic Window of Opportunity + My Simple Daily Protocol To Feel Amazing

#451: Why Do Women Have a Higher Cardiometabolic Mortality Rate Than Men? With Dr. Sara Gottfried

Free Download: Easy, Practical Tips to Get More Energy!

Download the free Energy-Boosting Cheat Sheet now to learn how to unlock abundant health and energy that lasts—in only seconds every day!

Read More
Energized-podcast-Kimberly-Snyder

598: Break the Cycle of Burnout, Anxiety, and Fear by Tapping into Heart Coherence with Kimberly Snyder

September 17, 2024 in Podcast, Women’s Health 0

Listen to the Episode Here

Or, listen on your favorite app: iTunes (Apple Podcasts) | Stitcher | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Pocketcasts

EPISODE SUMMARY

We’ve all heard the saying, “Follow your heart.”

But what if I told you that your heart holds even more power than we’ve been led to believe?

In just a few minutes per day, you can learn to tap into that power and break free from the cycle of burnout, anxiety, and overwhelm—and completely transform your mind, body, and soul. 

It’s called heart coherence.

And in today’s episode, I sit down with multiple-time New York Times best-selling author, holistic wellness expert, and meditation teacher Kimberly Snyder to show you how it works. 

Kimberly blends ancient wisdom with modern science—and guides you through the five heart stages: 

Dark; Propelled; Steady; Devoted; and Clear. 

She also shares SIMPLE, heart-centered practices that can dramatically reduce stress, boost your energy levels, and even improve your gut health, hormone balance, and relationships.

Whether you’re at work, at home, or in the midst of chaos, you can do these practices with ease—and the results can be life-changing. 

Tune in here and get ready to open your heart for rapid healing!

IN THIS EPISODE

  • The five heart stages that shape your emotional and physical well-being
  • Practical tools to shift into heart coherence, even during stressful moments
  • How heart coherence boosts energy, gut health, and hormone balance
  • The science behind heart coherence and its role in reducing stress and anxiety
  • Real-life examples of how heart-centered living strengthens relationships
  • How to tap into your heart’s wisdom for greater intuition and clarity
  • And more!

QUOTES

“The heart is actually another brain—it sends more messages to the brain than the brain sends to the heart. It controls so much around our health, vitality, and emotional well-being. When we learn to tap into this power, it can transform everything.”

“These aren’t long meditations or complicated rituals—just quick, simple practices that take a few seconds. Even in the middle of chaos, you can realign and come back to a centered place in 3 to 10 seconds.”

“Once you start living from your heart, you’ll notice a shift. You’ll have more energy, better communication, and deeper intuition. It’s like opening up to a new way of living, where everything feels more in flow.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED

Kimberly’s Feel Good Podcast

Kimberly’s NEW book: The Hidden Power of the Five Hearts

Kimberly’s website, Solluna

More about the HeartMath Institute on heart coherence and its impact

RELATED EPISODES 

#575: Transform Your Life Through Self Love, Trusting Your Heart and Raising Your Self Worth with Roxy Saffaie

#360: The Most Important — Yet Little-Known — Secret to Align Your Goals with Your Heart’s Purpose with Dr. Benita Varnado

#569: How to Build a Strong Emotional Connection with Your Partner and How to Transform Your Love Life with Vanessa and Xander Marin

Get My Morning Self-Care Guide!

You are the CEO of your life, so every choice you make should support who you are. If you are ready to get started, I have created the perfect Self-Care Wellness Ritual Guide with my favorite tips! Download Dr. Mariza’s Self-Care Guide Here

Read More

MENU