In this powerful episode, interventional cardiologist Associate Professor Tom Ford joins us to uncover the real truth about women’s heart health, especially during perimenopause and menopause.

Learn why heart disease is the #1 killer of women, how hormones impact cholesterol and palpitations, and what red flags to never ignore.

We break down:

• The misunderstood symptoms of heart attacks in women
• The link between perimenopause, high cholesterol, and palpitations
• Whether HRT is heart-healthy or harmful
• How stress, exercise, alcohol, and even supplements affect your heart
• Tests that can save your life: CT calcium scores, stress echos & more

Whether you’re managing high blood pressure, curious about heart palpitations, or navigating midlife health decisions, this episode is essential listening.

Assoc. Professor Ford also shares his top 3 tips for a healthier heart, the surprising signs of cardiac issues in women, and what tests to request from your GP—even if your results look normal.

This episode is brought to you by RUKSAK - helping you turn every walk into a workout with weighted vests, backpacks and accessories.

Visit https://rebrand.ly/ruksak_spotify and use the code "SHAUNA15" for 15% off all purchases.

For more from Associate Professor Tom Ford:

Visit the Central Heart website. Central Coast locals can contact (02) 4311 7137 for appointment enquiries.

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Disclaimer: This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it do not constitute medical, health care or other professional advice. Information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only.

00:00:00 – Intro: Heart Health & Menopause

00:00:28 – Why Women Miss Heart Disease Signs

00:01:08 – Heart Disease Myths & Misdiagnosis

00:02:28 – Female Heart Attack Symptoms

00:04:10 – Angina, Heart Attacks & Blood Pressure

00:09:00 – Heart Rate Changes After 40

00:15:10 – Hormone Therapy & Heart Risk

00:17:43 – Essential Heart Health Tests

00:20:11 – CT Scans, Calcium Scores & Cholesterol

00:27:23 – Rucking & Smart Exercise for Heart Health

00:29:29 – Lifestyle Changes That Protect Your Heart

00:35:15 – Alcohol, Stress & Emotional Triggers

00:39:52 – Medications, Drugs & Hidden Heart Risks

00:43:03 – When to Get a Second Opinion

00:43:50 – Female-Specific Heart Conditions

00:46:32 – Heart Failure & Menopause

00:48:51 – Best Exercise & Nutrition for the Heart

00:55:09 – Genetic & Hormonal Risk Factors

00:57:22 – Reflections & Key Takeaways

00:58:51 – Disclaimer

• heart disease in women
• perimenopause and heart health
• cholesterol after 40
• palpitations menopause
• HRT and heart safety
• silent heart attack symptoms
• how menopause affects heart health
• early signs of heart disease in women
• is HRT safe for the heart?
• why does cholesterol rise after 40?
• heart tests women should ask for
• perimenopause symptoms heart palpitations
• midlife women's health
• cardiologist interview
• menopause podcast
• holistic heart health
• CT calcium score explained