Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD 118. Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum: A New Roadmap to Female Heart Health
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Dec 4, 2025 Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum, a pioneering preventive cardiologist and founder of the ADESSO model, reveals critical insights into women's heart health. She discusses how traditional cholesterol tests often overlook women's unique symptoms of heart disease and advocates for new markers like ApoB. Steinbaum emphasizes that microvascular dysfunction is a major risk factor, often missed in standard practices. She shares effective strategies like zone two exercise and the importance of tailored prevention approaches, so women can take charge of their heart health.
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Heart Disease Is Multifactorial
- Cardiovascular disease is multifactorial beyond LDL, involving metabolism, genetics, inflammation, physiology, hormones, and psychosocial factors.
- Apolipoprotein B and HSCRP better indicate vulnerable plaque risk than a standard cholesterol panel.
Order Expanded Cardio Labs
- Order an expanded panel: apolipoprotein B, HSCRP, triglycerides, and hemoglobin A1c to catch toxic small LDL particles and early metabolic risk.
- Also assess sleep, stress, pregnancy history, and autoimmune issues to complete a women's heart risk profile.
Women Dismissed Despite Normal Tests
- Dr. Steinbaum recounts many women sent home with normal tests who cycle through specialists before being dismissed or labeled psychosomatic.
- She says women often know something is wrong despite normal EKGs and echoes and urges them to trust themselves.