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

<p><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.</p>
<p>Credits</p>
<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.