Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and high cholesterol is a major contributor – yet it often has no symptoms. You can feel healthy and still be at risk for heart attack or stroke. So what should you really know? Is it just about diet, and when should you get tested? In this episode, preventive cardiologist Ann Marie Navar, MD, PhD, breaks down what’s changed in how we understand cholesterol, why knowing your numbers matters, and how to take practical steps to protect your heart. We also address common concerns about statins and why they’re not something to fear. The key: partner with your doctor to build a plan that works for you long term.

Credits
Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers
Guest: Ann Marie Navar, MD, PhD

<a href="https://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/understanding-heart-disease-symptoms" data-testid="linkable-text">Heart disease</a> is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and <a href="https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/lower-cholesterol-risk" data-testid="linkable-text">high cholesterol</a> is a major contributor &ndash; yet it often has no symptoms. You can feel healthy and still be at risk for heart attack or stroke. So what should you really know? Is it just about diet, and when should you get tested? In this episode, preventive cardiologist <a href="https://profiles.utsouthwestern.edu/profile/193161/ann-marie-navar.html" data-testid="linkable-text">Ann Marie Navar, MD, PhD</a>, breaks down what&rsquo;s changed in how we understand cholesterol, why <a href="https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management/understanding-numbers" data-testid="linkable-text">knowing your numbers</a> matters, and how to take practical steps to protect your heart. We also address common concerns about statins and why they&rsquo;re not something to fear. The key: partner with your doctor to build a plan that works for you long term.
Credits
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM</li>
<li aria-level="1">Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Show Notes: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Guest: Ann Marie Navar, MD, PhD</li>
</ul>

WebMD Chief Physician Editor Neha Pathak, MD, and Chief Medical Officer, John Whyte, MD, MPH, explore fascinating stories to find the unexpected things that help us understand our health.

Health Discovered

The Silent Risk: Cholesterol and the Numbers You Need to Know

Protein is everywhere these days – from protein pasta to protein cereal – but do these foods actually deliver the benefits they promise? And how much protein do we really need? We spoke with Marily Oppezzo, PhD, MS, RDN, an instructor of medicine at the Stanford Prevention Research Center and head of the nutrition pillar at Stanford Lifestyle Medicine, about how much protein the average adult needs for overall health and muscle maintenance, whether high-protein diets offer meaningful benefits, and how protein needs change with age and activity level. She also explains the differences between animal and plant proteins and what the latest research says about protein and long-term health.

Credits 
Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers
Guest: Marily Oppezzo, PhD, MS, RDN

<a href="https://www.webmd.com/diet/benefits-protein">Protein</a> is everywhere these days &ndash; from protein pasta to protein cereal &ndash; but do these foods actually deliver the benefits they promise? And <a href="https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/protein">how much</a> protein do we really need? We spoke with <a href="https://med.stanford.edu/prevention/people/faculty_academic/Oppezzo.html">Marily Oppezzo, PhD, MS, RDN</a>, an instructor of medicine at the Stanford Prevention Research Center and head of the nutrition pillar at Stanford Lifestyle Medicine, about how much protein the average adult needs for overall health and muscle maintenance, whether high-protein diets offer meaningful benefits, and how protein needs change with age and activity level. She also explains the differences between animal and plant proteins and what the latest research says about protein and long-term health.
Credits&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM</li>
<li aria-level="1">Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Show Notes: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Guest: Marily Oppezzo, PhD, MS, RDN</li>
</ul>

How Much Protein Do We Actually Need? A Dietitian Explains

For millions of people, walking into a doctor's office can be incredibly difficult. If you've experienced physical abuse, sexual assault, or medical trauma, the exam room may feel like one of the most vulnerable and triggering places to be. The fear of being harmed, dismissed, misunderstood, or not believed can be powerful enough to keep you from seeking care. But avoiding appointments can lead to missed screenings, undiagnosed conditions, and health problems that worsen over time. We spoke with Bayo Curry-Winchell, MD, MS, nationally recognized health advocate and founder of Clinicians Who Care, about practical, empowering ways to advocate for yourself during medical visits. Learn why you're always allowed to ask questions before an exam, request that your provider explain each step, pause or stop an exam at any time, and seek a second opinion. Plus, discover how preparing a few notes before your appointment can help you become an active partner in your care.

This episode includes discussion of medical trauma and sexual assault. Some listeners may find this content difficult or triggering. Please take care while listening, and consider reaching out for support if needed.

Credits 
Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers
Guest: Bayo Curry-Winchell, MD, MS

For millions of people, walking into a doctor's office can be incredibly difficult. If you've experienced physical abuse, <a href="https://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/sexual-abuse-and-assault">sexual assault</a>, or medical trauma, the exam room may feel like one of the most vulnerable and triggering places to be. The fear of being harmed, dismissed, misunderstood, or not believed can be powerful enough to keep you from seeking care. But avoiding appointments can lead to missed screenings, undiagnosed conditions, and health problems that worsen over time. We spoke with <a href="https://doctorbayo.com/">Bayo Curry-Winchell, MD, MS</a>, nationally recognized health advocate and founder of <a href="https://doctorbayo.com/clinicians-who-care/">Clinicians Who Care</a>, about practical, empowering ways to advocate for yourself during medical visits. Learn why you're always allowed to ask questions before an exam, request that your provider explain each step, pause or stop an exam at any time, and seek a second opinion. Plus, discover how preparing a few notes before your appointment can help you become an active partner in your care. This episode includes discussion of medical trauma and sexual assault. Some listeners may find this content difficult or triggering. Please take care while listening, and consider reaching out for support if needed.
Credits&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM</li>
<li aria-level="1">Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Show Notes: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Guest: Bayo Curry-Winchell, MD, MS</li>
</ul>

Advocating for Yourself During Medical Exams and Accessing Trauma Informed Care

While we often hear about triggers in everyday conversation, what does it really mean to be "triggered"? Why do certain people or situations spark such intense emotional reactions? And what's actually happening in your brain and body in those moments? We sat down again with Lia Love Avellino, LCSW, modern love therapist and community organizer, to unpack what triggers are, why they happen, and how to reframe them with curiosity instead of judgment. She shares practical techniques to regulate your nervous system, shift from asking "What's wrong with me?" to "What's happening for me right now?," and strengthen your relationships through deeper self-awareness and genuine human connection. Learn how to respond with intention – even when every instinct tells you to react.

Credits 
Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM
Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers
Show Notes: Lauren Summers
Guest: Lia Love Avellino, LCSW

While we often hear about <a href="https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-are-ptsd-triggers" data-testid="linkable-text">triggers</a> in everyday conversation, what does it really mean to be "triggered"? Why do certain people or situations spark such intense emotional reactions? And what's actually happening in your brain and body in those moments? We sat down again with <a href="https://www.lialoveavellino.com/" data-testid="linkable-text">Lia Love Avellino, LCSW</a>, modern love therapist and community organizer, to unpack what triggers are, why they happen, and how to reframe them with curiosity instead of judgment. She shares practical techniques to <a href="https://www.webmd.com/balance/ss/slideshow-how-to-quiet-mind" data-testid="linkable-text">regulate your nervous system</a>, shift from asking "What's wrong with me?" to "What's happening for me right now?," and strengthen your relationships through deeper self-awareness and genuine human connection. Learn how to respond with intention &ndash; even when every instinct tells you to react.
Credits&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Host: Neha Pathak, MD, FACP, DipABLM</li>
<li aria-level="1">Producer/Editor: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Show Notes: Lauren Summers</li>
<li aria-level="1">Guest: Lia Love Avellino, LCSW</li>
</ul>

The Silent Risk: Cholesterol and the Numbers You Need to Know

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