Weight, Inflammation, and the Female Metabolism | Franciscan Health Podcast

Описание: What is the link between excess weight and heart disease? Adipose (fat) tissue acts as a signaling organ that, in excess, releases low-grade inflammation into the bloodstream. This inflammation damages blood vessel linings, allowing cholesterol to build up even if your levels are normal. For women over 35, this process can lead to "sneaky" symptoms like extreme exertional fatigue, nausea, and shortness of breath, rather than traditional chest pain. In this video, board-certified cardiologist Dr. Anthony Bashall, with Franciscan Health Indianapolis, explains how to use high-sensitivity CRP tests, heart scans, and metabolic health strategies to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Heart Health & Inflammation: Key Questions Answered
Why is inflammation dangerous for the heart? Inflammation is designed to kill bacteria, but when it is chronic, it damages the lining of blood vessels, leading to blockages and stiffening of the heart muscle [01:28].

What are the "sneaky" heart attack symptoms in women? Women should watch for a cluster of symptoms including intense fatigue during exercise, nausea, dizziness, and pain between the shoulder blades, rather than just classic chest pain [10:06].

What tests should women ask for? Beyond standard cholesterol checks, Dr. Bashel recommends a High-Sensitivity CRP test for inflammation, a Urine Albumin-Creatinine Ratio for kidney/heart health, and a Calcium Score Heart Scan [04:48].

Can weight loss medication help heart health? Modern obesity medications (GLP-1s) act as anti-inflammatory and metabolic stabilizers, providing heart benefits even before significant weight loss occurs [12:38].

Video Chapters & Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro: Healthy Habits for a Healthy Heart
00:45 – The Good vs. Bad Role of Adipose (Fat) Tissue
01:28 – How Inflammation Damages Blood Vessels
03:39 – Predicting Your Future Risk (Age 30-50)
04:48 – 3 New Tests to Request: CRP, Lipoprotein A, and Urine Protein
06:32 – What is a Heart Scan (Calcium Score)?
08:40 – The Link Between Fatty Liver and Heart Disease
10:06 – Why Women’s Symptoms Are Often Misdiagnosed
12:02 – Processed Foods vs. Metabolic Health
12:38 – How Obesity Meds Reduce Heart Inflammation
13:25 – Red Flag Symptoms Checklist

About Franciscan Health:
Franciscan Health, which has hospitals in Indiana and Illinois, provides comprehensive cardiovascular care with a focus on early detection and metabolic health.

Learn more about our Heart Care services: https://www.franciscanhealth.org/hear... Listen to more from the Franciscan Health DocPod podcast: https://www.franciscanhealth.org/podc...

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only. Please consult with a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice.