October 07, 2025

How They Did It: Reversed Heart Risk with Personalized Nutrition

31 minutes

In this episode of the HealthspanMD Podcast, Dr. Robert Todd Hurst, MD, FACC, FASE sits down with Patty and Rick Rife to unpack their powerful journey through proactive, personalized care. After years of strict vegan eating, they were shocked to discover early signs of heart disease, prediabetes, and rising blood pressure. What followed was a complete transformation driven by advanced testing, continuous glucose monitoring, and a tailored plan that actually worked for their bodies.

They share how switching to a low-carb, high-protein diet led to dramatic improvements in energy, labs, and overall health, and why health is always a team effort. Whether you’re feeling stuck with your current plan or wondering if your numbers tell the whole story, this episode is a must-listen.

Patty and Rick Rife are a health-conscious couple who came to HealthspanMD looking for clarity, not just checkups. After four years on a strict plant-based diet, Rick’s elevated calcium score, insulin resistance, and surprising lab results sparked a major shift. Under the guidance of Dr. Robert Todd Hurst, MD, FACC, FASE, they adopted a more personalized, results-driven approach and reversed their risk trajectory in weeks.

Key Timestamps

00:00 – Meet Patty and Rick Rife + why they came to HealthspanMD

02:00 – Going vegan for heart health: expectations vs reality

04:30 – Early signs of arterial plaque and metabolic dysfunction

06:00 – When “healthy” isn’t enough: lab results that shocked them

08:15 – From vegan to low-carb: making the dietary pivot

11:00 – Dramatic changes in A1C, triglycerides, and insulin in 5 weeks

13:45 – The power of CGMs for personalized feedback

15:30 – “Healthy” foods that spiked blood sugar, and what didn’t

18:30 – How food order, stress, and walking affect glucose response

21:00 – Why one diet does not fit all

24:00 – Repatha, medication strategy, and reversing artery disease

27:00 – Mindset shifts, confidence, and redefining health together

30:00 – Health as a team sport and what’s next for the Rifes

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Don't make any decisions about your medical treatment without first talking to your doctor.

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