Dr. Mark Menolascino is the medical director of the Meno Clinic Center for Functional Medicine and has over 25 years of healthcare experience. In today's podcast episode, he talks with JJ about a topic that deserves much more attention: heart disease in women! Listen as Dr. Menolascino explains why cardiovascular disease in females is under-addressed in mainstream medicine and how his approach differs from that of conventional healthcare providers. Dr. Menolascino also shares the most important tests you should be asking for to help identify your level of risk, as well as his top tips on how to choose the best eating plan for your heart health. His new book, Heart Solution for Women, provides a comprehensive approach to preventing and reversing heart disease!   Freebies From Today’s Episode Get Dr. Mark Menolascino’s free Heart Solution webinar by going to JJVirgin.com/heartsolution.   Main Points From Today’s Episode Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. In fact, more women die of heart disease than all cancers combined. Results from the Women's Health Initiative showed that cholesterol drugs don't benefit women at all when it comes to stroke prevention. In addition, the study found that the risk of getting type 2 diabetes from taking cholesterol medication was over 50% in post-menopausal women. Dr. Menolascino's book, Heart Solution for Women, provides a proven approach to preventing and reversing heart disease. Dr. Menolascino believes it's important to personalize diagnostic strategies and treatment therapies for women.   Episode Play-By-Play [1:34] Dr. Mark Menolascino’s career briefing [4:21] How Dr. Menolascino become an expert in heart disease [5:15] Why doesn’t heart disease in women get the attention it deserves? [6:15] Results from the Women’s Health Initiative [7:20] How is Dr. Menolascino’s approach different than that of conventional medicine? [8:05] Dr. Menolascino recommends starting with the right blood tests. [8:56] Why stress tests should also be done with imaging [9:37] What is a Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Test? [10:20] The symphony of female hormones [11:15] It’s key to find a doctor who knows how to look at you as an individual. [13:20] How to choose the best eating plan to prevent and reverse heart disease [15:50] Figuring out which foods are inflammatory for you [17:36] The importance of community [18:45] The future of medicine for women [20:37] For most chronic illnesses, the acute-care model doesn’t work very well. [22:35] Ready to lose fat fast and keep it off forever? Discover the number one resource for fast and lasting fat loss by visiting jjvirgin.com! [23:12] Listener shout-out [26:19] Listener’s question: I’ve been told that if I don’t get my LDL cholesterol down, I’m going to need to start taking a statin drug. What should I do?   Mentioned in this episode: Heart Solution for Women: A Proven Program to Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease, by Dr. Mark Menolascino JJ Virgin 7-Day Stop, Drop & Swap Challenge Direct-to-Consumer Lab Testing The Institute for Functional Medicine’s Find a Practitioner tool Become part of JJ’s community JJ Virgin Official Facebook page JJ Virgin on Instagram JJ Virgin on YouTube