Send us Fan Mail
Most people think of a GLP-1 as a weight loss medication, but for your heart, the story starts before the scale moves much at all. Board-certified cardiologist and lipidologist Dr. Sirisha Vadali explains what the research shows about GLP-1s and cardiovascular risk, the simple routine she starts her patients on, and what she monitors along the way. You'll also hear why she doesn't recommend a GLP-1 for family history alone, and about one genetic cholesterol marker that diet and exercise can't change, a lab she says everyone should have checked once in their lifetime.
**IN THIS EPISODE**
- How GLP-1s went from diabetes drugs to heart protection, with or without diabetes
- Why some heart benefit appears before major weight loss, and why no one knows exactly how yet
- Who GLP-1s are currently indicated for in cardiovascular risk reduction, and why semaglutide (Wegovy) is the one with outcomes data so far
- Why muscle mass, protein, and strength training belong in every GLP-1 plan
- Dr. Vadali's simple phase one: 100 grams of protein (30 to 40 grams in the morning), 25 grams of fiber, water, and strength training twice a week at home
- Watching blood pressure, heart rate, hydration, and kidney function on a GLP-1
- Fatigue and low motivation after the shot: what to rule out first
- Whether family history alone is a reason to start a GLP-1
- The heart labs she checks, including Lp(a), ApoB, hs-CRP, and a coronary calcium score
- What Lp(a) is, why it's a one-time lifetime screening, and the treatments expected in the next few years
- A word of caution on buying unapproved triple agonists online
- Simple longevity habits: sleep, stress, walking after meals, and the 80/20 approach
- Why hunger coming back isn't a reason to panic
**ABOUT THE GUEST**
Dr. Sirisha Vadali, MD, is a board-certified cardiologist and advanced lipidologist specializing in prevention, cardiometabolic medicine, and women's heart health. She is program director for HonorHealth's Cardiometabolic Program in Scottsdale, Arizona, and a member of the HonorHealth Women's Heart Health team. Dr. Vadali focuses on prevention-forward care, using advanced lipid testing, coronary calcium scoring, and lifestyle medicine to help patients lower cardiovascular risk and build sustainable, healthy habits.**CONNECT WITH DR. SIRISHA VADALI**Website: https://www.sirishavadali.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/vadalimd/HonorHealth Cardiometabolic Program: https://www.honorhealth.com/physicians/sirisha-vadali**SPONSORS**This episode is brought to you by Timeline. When you buy a one-month supply of Mitopure Gummies, you'll get a free Discovery Size Mitopure Firming Serum, an $85 value. Go to https://www.timeline.com/glp1bundle to claim yours.This episode is also brought to you by Tyde Wellness, the GLP-1 provider Ana uses, with nutrition guidance built for GLP-1s, independent licensed providers, and a care team that answers when something comes up. Go to https://tydewellness.com/GLP1Hub and use code GLP1Hub50 for $50 off your first month.**CHAPTERS**00:00 Preview: why wait for a heart attack?00:12 What's in this episode01:07 Welcome, Dr. Sirisha Vadali02:11 How GLP-1s went from diabetes drugs to heart protection03:35 How GLP-1s protect the heart, even before weight loss05:35 Semaglutide vs. tirzepatide: which she uses and why06:17 What lower obesity rates could mean for heart health08:44 Lower BMI and high risk: lifestyle first, then a low dose10:26 Her simple phase one routine and at-home strength training13:23 Kidneys, hydration, and how often to check blood pressure14:33 Fatigue and low motivation after the shot15:59 Sponsor: Timeline16:53 Is family history a reason to start a GLP-1?18:31 The heart lab panel she recommends20:10 New Lp(a) treatments on the way21:08 What Lp(a) is and why it matters23:25 A caution on unapproved triple agonists26:41 Sponsor: Tyde Wellness27:42 Longevity basics: sleep, stress, walks, and 80/2030:29 Quick fixes, food noise, and when hunger comes back32:09 Where to find Dr. Vadali