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 Why Dr. Ovadia believes insulin resistance deserves more attention in heart disease prevention The five basic metabolic markers he wants women tracking Why your personal blood pressure baseline matters in midlife What fasting insulin can reveal before blood sugar becomes obviously abnormal Why cholesterol alone may not give you the complete picture of cardiovascular risk How muscle and resistance training support metabolic and heart health What a continuous glucose monitor can teach you about food, energy, and blood sugar 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 http://drmariza.com/book Stop surviving and start thriving, join Midlife on Fire Collective now https://drmariza.com/trial 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

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