#1066 This Test Could Save Your Life – The #1 Missing Metric for Heart Health with Dr. Philip Ovadia

Jul 28, 2025

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Philip Ovadia, a heart surgeon and author of 'Stay Off My Operating Table,' challenges conventional views on heart disease. He argues that insulin resistance, not cholesterol, is the primary culprit. Dr. Ovadia stresses the importance of fasting insulin tests as vital indicators of heart health and shares his personal journey to a carnivore diet. He questions the effectiveness of statins, advocating for lifestyle changes to combat metabolic issues. This engaging talk enlightens listeners on rethinking heart disease management.

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INSIGHT

Insulin Resistance Causes Heart Disease

The primary cause of heart disease is insulin resistance, not cholesterol.
Cholesterol only becomes problematic when there is insulin resistance and vascular damage.

INSIGHT

Cholesterol Repairs Blood Vessel Damage

Cholesterol acts as a repair mechanism for damaged blood vessels.
Damaged cholesterol causes inflammation and plaque buildup, linking back to insulin resistance.

ADVICE

Test Fasting Insulin Early

Get a fasting insulin test to detect insulin resistance early, well before blood sugar changes.
Use insulin levels as an actionable guide to reverse insulin resistance by reducing carbohydrate intake.

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What if everything you thought you knew about heart disease was wrong?

In this eye-opening episode of the Metabolic Freedom Podcast, Ben Azadi sits down with Dr. Philip Ovadia, a heart surgeon who once followed the standard medical playbook until he realized it wasn’t helping his patients or himself.

Together, they dive into one of the most misunderstood topics in health: what really causes heart disease. And it’s probably not what you’ve been told. It’s not cholesterol — it’s insulin resistance.

Dr. Ovadia explains how testing your fasting insulin could be the missing piece in your health journey. He also shares why he gave up carbs for a more carnivore-style diet and questions whether statins are really the miracle drug they're often made out to be.

This isn't just medical theory. Dr. Ovadia has lived it. He brings both personal and professional insight to the table, helping you learn how to spot metabolic issues early and take meaningful steps toward better health.

If you’re ready to rethink everything you’ve been told about heart disease, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

🔥 Topics Discussed:

Root causes of heart disease, emphasizing insulin resistance over cholesterol.
Misconceptions about cholesterol and its role in heart health.
Importance of fasting insulin tests as a marker of metabolic health.
Connection between insulin resistance, blood pressure, and vascular health.
Discussion on dietary approaches, particularly the carnivore diet, for reversing insulin resistance.
Examination of cholesterol markers and their context in relation to metabolic health.
Critique of the reliance on statins and cholesterol management in heart disease treatment.
Impact of lifestyle factors, including diet and exercise, on metabolic health.
The role of processed sugars and vegetable oils in driving insulin resistance.
Advocacy for systemic changes in dietary guidelines and personal responsibility in health management.

🔗 Links and Resources:

Ovadia Heart Health: https://ovadiahearthealth.com/

iFixHearts: https://ifixhearts.com/

X (formerly Twitter): https://x.com/ifixhearts

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ifixhearts/

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