EP363: Cholesterol Awareness Week Nov 11 to 15

Welcome to my podcast. I am Doctor Warrick Bishop, and I want to help you to live as well as possible for as long as possible. I’m a practising cardiologist, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and the creator of The Healthy Heart Network. I have over 20 years as a specialist cardiologist and a private practice of over 10,000 patients. Podcast Summary Introduction Dee Mason hosts the Brekkie show on Joy 949 and welcomes Dr. Warrick Bishop, a practicing cardiologist with over 20 years of specialist experience and creator of the Healthy Heart Network, to discuss Cholesterol Awareness Week. The episode explores why cholesterol, which contributes to nearly one quarter of all deaths in Australia, remains largely undetected and underappreciated as a health priority, despite being a silent killer with no symptoms. Key Takeaways: Cholesterol is a silent killer linked to approximately one quarter of all deaths in Australia, yet it receives far less public awareness and screening initiatives compared to other health conditions like colorectal cancer. Cholesterol is an essential organic molecule present in every cell of the body, necessary for cell integrity, vitamin transport, hormone formation, and digestion—the problem arises when levels become elevated over extended periods. Early screening is critical; people should get a heart risk check starting at ages 20-30, and especially before age 50, rather than waiting until that age to begin conversations about heart health. A calcium score (heart scan) is recommended for men aged 45-50 and women aged 55-60 as a proactive screening tool, costing around $300 and available through the virtualheartcheck.com.au platform without requiring a GP referral. Approximately 20-25% of people experience their first heart problem as a sudden heart attack, with one in six dying immediately—making the case for preventative screening rather than reactive emergency management. High fitness levels and athletic appearance on the outside provide no guarantee of healthy arteries on the inside, as evidenced by cases like Ironman triathlete Dean Mercer and cricketer Shane Warne, both of whom died young from undetected coronary artery disease. Cholesterol elevation and resulting arterial plaque buildup is controllable and even reversible through interventions including cholesterol medication, aspirin, blood pressure management, weight control, exercise, stress reduction, and diabetes management. Everyone should be considered potentially at risk for heart attacks rather than assuming low-risk status, with screening and preventative strategies applied universally rather than only to perceived high-risk groups.