The Evolving Wellness Podcast with Sarah Kleiner Wellness

The Cholesterol Myth: Why Heart Attacks Happen Even With a Zero CAC Score (w/ Dr. Hussey)

Sep 17, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Dr. Stephen Hussey, a chiropractor and functional medicine practitioner, dives into heart health misconceptions. He shares his personal journey with type 1 diabetes and a heart attack at 34, advocating for lifestyle changes over fear-driven medical advice. Topics include the nuanced role of cholesterol, the importance of hydration and stress management, and how the body adapts to arterial blockages. Dr. Hussey emphasizes holistic approaches and encourages listeners to understand heart disease beyond simple dietary solutions.
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INSIGHT

Plaque Is Not The Whole Story

  • Plaque imaging (CAC, cath) focuses on plaque but doesn't explain all heart attack mechanisms.
  • Dr. Hussey argues plaque presence alone doesn't cause heart attacks and procedures don't prevent them reliably.
ANECDOTE

Unexpected Heart Attack With Zero CAC

  • Dr. Stephen Hussey shared that he suffered a widowmaker heart attack at age 34 despite a zero CAC score six months earlier.
  • He used lifestyle changes (light, grounding, hydration, circadian work) to recover and avoid long-term medication.
ADVICE

Use Circadian And Light To Heal The Heart

  • Prioritize circadian alignment, sunlight/infrared exposure, grounding, and hydration for cardiac healing.
  • These non-dietary interventions helped Hussey improve heart function and reduce arterial blockages over two years.
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