Own Your Heart Health with Dr. Regina Druz

Got LDL Cholesterol? Let’s Play Cholesterol Marbles!

Most doctors focus on LDL. But your lipidome holds the real clues to your cardiovascular risk. In this episode, Dr. Regina Druz introduces a tool she uses with patients called “cholesterol marbles,” a hands-on way to see cholesterol not as good vs. bad, but as a complex network of particles with very different roles. 
 
What does it mean if your LDL is high? What’s the role of VLDL or small dense LDL? And why do some people with “great” HDL numbers still end up at risk? Dr. Druz breaks down how these lipoproteins behave, how they form, and how they quietly drive cardiovascular risk. She explains the “40-30-20-10 rule” to help make sense of why LDL still matters, while also showing why markers like ApoB and non-HDL cholesterol may be even more useful. You’ll also hear why high HDL isn’t always protective, why small dense LDL is particularly dangerous, and how metabolic dysfunction, often tied to diet and insulin resistance, can shift your lipid profile in the wrong direction.
 
Whether you’re managing high cholesterol or simply trying to understand your lab results, Dr. Druz will change the way you think about cholesterol labs, and what you should really be asking for in your bloodwork.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 What are Cholesterol Marbles?
01:28 The Lipidome and Why It Matters
07:04 How VLDL Becomes LDL 
09:02 The “40-30-20-10 Rule” for Lowering Heart Risk
17:02 Small Dense LDL Cholesterol and Cardiovascular Risk
26:00 HDL Cholesterol Functionality
29:04 Genetic Profiles and Lipid Pathways
33:03 Heart Disease as a Fundamental Process of Aging
35:35 Guidelines for Lipid Management
 
Links
Schedule a Discovery Call: https://go.holisticheartcenters.com/apply
Access Courses and Events: https://holisticheartcenters.info/hearthealth
Get Heartwell Toolkits: https://shop.holisticheartcenters.com/
Schedule a Business Meeting:https://calendly.com/heartcenters 
 
Connect with Dr. Regina Druz:
Website: http://holisticheartcenters.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@reginadruzmd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.reginadruz 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holisticheartcenters 
Twitter: https://x.com/heartCenters 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@holisticheartcenters
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Do This Daily for Your Heart Health: Laugh Your Heart Out!

Laughter and heart health might seem like an unlikely pairing until you hear the science behind it.
 
Dr. Regina Druz is joined by Dr. Sam Shay, a functional medicine doctor who also happens to be a stand-up comic. Together, they explore how humor therapy works on a biological level, from lowering stress hormones to improving blood flow. Could laughter help prevent heart disease? And what role does humor play in building trust between patients and practitioners?
 
Dr. Shay shares how comedy became part of his clinical practice after growing up in a family shaped by cardiovascular illness. He explains why humor rooted in truth can disarm fear, build connection, and shift a patient’s mindset, which are all crucial elements when it comes to healing.
 
This episode invites a different perspective on heart health, one where humor isn’t a distraction but a meaningful tool for connection, resilience, and recovery.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Heart Health and Humor
01:05 Personal Story and Family Heart Disease
04:05 Science Behind Laughter Therapy
08:57 How Humor Supports Cardiovascular Health
19:31 Practical Ways to Use Humor for Health
21:13 Humor in Clinical Practice
30:01 The Neural Harmony Model
38:00 Humor as a Tool for Truth and Connection
 
Links
Connect with Sam Shay:
Neurospicy Stand-Up Comedy Special https://youtu.be/auxjQWEGFCQ?si=rDl8KbDiqTRMLu7F
 
Schedule a Discovery Call: https://go.holisticheartcenters.com/apply
Access Courses and Events: https://holisticheartcenters.info/hearthealth
Get Heartwell Toolkits: https://shop.holisticheartcenters.com/
Schedule a Business Meeting: https://calendly.com/heartcenters 
 
Connect with Dr. Regina Druz:
Website: http://holisticheartcenters.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@reginadruzmd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.reginadruz 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holisticheartcenters 
Twitter: https://x.com/heartCenters 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@holisticheartcenters
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Three Things to Know About Your Lipid Profile: Statin Overprescribing Solution Part 2

Most people scan their cholesterol panel and zero in on the LDL. But could there be a better indicator of risk hiding in plain sight?
 
In this episode, Dr. Regina Druz walks through the standard lipid panel (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides) and explains why the context behind the numbers matters more than the numbers alone. She breaks down what each marker can and can’t tell you, why fasting makes a difference, and how calculated values like LDL can be misleading if the test wasn’t done correctly.
 
Dr. Druz also challenges the outdated idea of “good” and “bad” cholesterol and introduces a smarter way to think about risk: by focusing on the full picture, including ApoB and a simple ratio anyone can calculate with basic labs. That ratio? Triglycerides divided by HDL. It’s one of the clearest signals of insulin resistance, and one of the most overlooked.
 
Using a real patient example, Dr. Druz shows how to interpret results in context and why statins may not always be the answer. Could your elevated cholesterol actually be a sign of metabolic dysfunction? And if so, what would it take to reverse it?
 
As part two of the Statin Overprescribing Solution series, this episode offers a practical way to rethink your lipid profile, and a clear path toward better heart health!
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Understanding the Lipid Profile
04:08 Cholesterol: Good, Bad, and Ugly
09:39 Importance of Fasting for Lipid Profile
14:05 Non-HDL Cholesterol and ApoB
21:21 Risk Categories: Low, Moderate, High, Very High, Extreme
32:00 Example Patient Case Study
40:09 Triglyceride to HDL Cholesterol Ratio
43:01 Insulin Resistance Indicator
46:03 Cardiometabolic Intervention
 
Links
ASCVD Risk Estimator: https://tools.acc.org/ascvd-risk-estimator-plus/#!/calculate/estimate/
Reynolds Risk Score: https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/3932/reynolds-risk-score-cardiovascular-risk-women
 
Schedule a Discovery Call: https://go.holisticheartcenters.com/apply
Access Courses and Events: https://holisticheartcenters.info/hearthealth
Get Heartwell Toolkits: https://shop.holisticheartcenters.com/
Schedule a Business Meeting:https://calendly.com/heartcenters 
 
Connect with Dr. Regina Druz:
Website: http://holisticheartcenters.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@reginadruzmd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.reginadruz 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holisticheartcenters 
Twitter: https://x.com/heartCenters
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@holisticheartcenters 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Renology with Dr. Robin Rose

When it comes to your kidneys, most people are told “nothing’s wrong” until it’s almost too late.
 
In this episode, Dr. Regina Druz sits down with Dr. Robin Rose to expose the gaps in traditional renal care and offer a proactive path to kidney success. Dr. Rose shares her personal story of facing kidney cancer, a dangerously low eGFR, and the lack of real solutions from conventional medicine. Instead of accepting a future of kidney failure, she built a new approach: Renology, the art and science of kidney success.
 
They break down why early monitoring of your eGFR matters, how kidney function connects to heart and vascular health, and why plant-based nutrition, toxin reduction, and stress management should be front-line therapies. Dr. Rose also introduces the emerging role of peptides and bioregulators in supporting kidney repair, after foundational lifestyle work is done.
 
If you’ve ever skimmed past your kidney labs without a second thought, this conversation will change how you look at your health. Protecting your renal function isn’t just about avoiding dialysis; it’s about optimizing vitality across your whole body, starting now.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Meet Dr. Robin Rose and the Story Behind Renology
01:10 How Kidney Health Declines Without Warning
07:14 What eGFR Means for Kidney and Heart Health
15:20 Early Signs of Renal Trouble Doctors Miss
20:52 Rethinking Kidney Failure and Defining Success
25:11 How Peptides and Bioregulators Support Healing
30:24 Plant-Based Eating and Kidney Protection
39:39 The Overlooked Role of Acidosis and Toxins
45:11 Building a Personalized Kidney Health Plan
48:38 Why Early Intervention Changes Outcomes
49:26 How to Access the Renology Peptides Book
 
Links
Schedule a Discovery Call: https://go.holisticheartcenters.com/apply
Access Courses and Events: https://holisticheartcenters.info/hearthealth
Get Heartwell Toolkits: https://shop.holisticheartcenters.com/
Schedule a Business Meeting:https://calendly.com/heartcenters 
 
Connect with Dr. Robin Rose:
renologyiskidneysuccess.com
 
Connect with Dr. Regina Druz:
Website: http://holisticheartcenters.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@reginadruzmd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.reginadruz 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holisticheartcenters 
Twitter: https://x.com/heartCenters 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Statin Overprescribing Solution (S.O.S.): Part 1. How to Age-proof Yourself

Most people measure aging by wrinkles or energy levels but your arteries tell the real story.
 
Dr. Regina Druz kicks off a new series with the launch of the Statin Overprescribing Solution (SOS), a program designed to challenge the one-size-fits-all approach to LDL cholesterol. We’ve all heard that LDL is “the bad cholesterol,” but what does a high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level really mean? And is the goal always to lower LDL, no matter the cost?
 
In this episode, Dr. Druz invites listeners to reconsider long-held beliefs. She explains why measuring LDL cholesterol might not be enough information and how personalized testing can tell a much more complete story. Have you ever asked your doctor what causes high LDL cholesterol in your specific case, or whether saturated fat truly raises LDL cholesterol for you? This kind of nuance is missing from most traditional care.
 
Dr. Druz shares how tools like the LDL cholesterol goal level calculator and the HeartWell Toolkit can give you real insight into your individual risk. She also introduces the idea of age proofing, a way to assess and slow the aging of your arteries, rather than just tracking numbers on a chart.
 
Whether you’re trying to decide if statins are right for you, looking to better understand your lipid profile, or searching “LDL cholesterol Spanish” for resources in your language, this episode delivers practical, science-backed answers. It’s a must-listen for anyone ready to move past generic advice and into a plan that truly fits.
 
Episode Breakdown
00:00 Introducing the Statin Overprescribing Solution (SOS)
02:12 What Is Age Proofing?
04:58 Cardiovascular Aging and Atherosclerosis
08:04 A Holistic Approach to Heart Health
16:59 Rethinking the Cholesterol-Centric Model
20:25 Precision and Personalization in Cardiology
25:52 Why Early Intervention Matters
27:27 Digital Biomarkers and Patient Monitoring
34:23 How to Estimate Your Cardiovascular Risk
39:05 Age Proofing Strategy in Action
46:52 HeartWell Toolkit: At-Home Testing for Lipid Profiles
49:54 Understanding Biological Age and Healthspan
52:00 AI-Powered Podcast Navigation with Notebook LM
 
Links
Schedule a Discovery Call: https://go.holisticheartcenters.com/apply
Access Courses and Events: https://holisticheartcenters.info/hearthealth
Get Heartwell Toolkits: https://shop.holisticheartcenters.com/
Schedule a Business Meeting:https://calendly.com/heartcenters 
 
Connect with Dr. Regina Druz:
Website: http://holisticheartcenters.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@reginadruzmd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.reginadruz 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holisticheartcenters 
Twitter: https://x.com/heartCenters
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

3 Myths of Hormone Replacement Therapy: Truth or Dare!

Most women have been misled about hormone therapy. This episode sets the record straight on what’s true, what’s outdated, and what your hot flashes are really telling you.
 
Dr. Regina Druz is joined by hormone expert Dr. Lorraine Maita for a conversation that challenges long-held beliefs about hormones, bioidentical hormones, and the risks often associated with them. Together, they revisit the Women’s Health Initiative study and explain why its conclusions may no longer apply to today’s treatments or today’s patients.
 
What do hot flashes reveal about your heart? Are hormones and breast cancer always linked? And why does the timing and type of hormone therapy matter more than most people realize?
 
If you’re questioning what you’ve heard about hormones and the heart, or whether bioidentical hormones are actually safe, this episode brings clarity, context, and a smarter way to think about hormone health.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:30 Dr. Maita’s Path to Hormone Expertise
04:00 How Hormonal Therapy Became Part of Her Practice
07:40 The Women’s Health Initiative and Its Lasting Impact
13:40 Why Timing Matters in Hormonal Therapy
20:00 Common Myths About Hormones
21:00 Hormones and Breast Cancer
27:40 Hot Flashes and Heart Health
32:55 Rethinking Menopause
35:00 How to Assess and Personalize Hormone Therapy
43:00 Detoxification and Hormone Metabolism
46:45 Hormone Testing and Metabolites
 
Links
Schedule a Discovery Call: https://go.holisticheartcenters.com/apply
Access Courses and Events: https://holisticheartcenters.info/hearthealth
Get Heartwell Toolkits: https://shop.holisticheartcenters.com/
Schedule a Business Meeting:https://calendly.com/heartcenters 
 
Connect with Dr. Lorraine Maita: 
Course: Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Right for You? https://www.hrtforyou.com/hrt59937778
Courses and Coaching The Feel Good Again Institute https://thefeelgoodagaininstitute.com/
Medical Practice (NY, NJ,PA,FL) Vibrance for Life https://vibranceforlife.com/
 
Connect with Dr. Regina Druz:
Website: http://holisticheartcenters.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@reginadruzmd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.reginadruz 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holisticheartcenters 
Twitter: https://x.com/heartCenters
 
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

The Weight Loss “Bermuda Triangle”: Are You Stuck In It?

Your genetics might be the key to lasting weight loss. Dr. Phyllis Pobee knows firsthand how frustrating it can be to do everything “right” and still struggle with weight. In this episode, Dr. Pobee joins Dr. Regina Druz to discuss how genetics for weight loss plays a bigger role than most people realize. Could your genes for weight loss be working against you? And if so, what can you do about it?
 
From nutritional genetics to hormones like cortisol and estrogen, Dr. Pobee breaks down why weight gain—especially for women over 30—isn’t just about diet and exercise. She shares how understanding your genetic profile can help you make smarter choices about food, exercise, and stress management. They also dig into the rise of weight loss medications like Ozempic and whether they truly solve the problem or just mask deeper imbalances.
 
This episode challenges the idea that weight loss is simply about willpower. If you’ve ever felt stuck, Dr. Druz and Dr. Pobee’s conversation might be exactly what you need to move forward with a strategy that actually works for your body.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction 
03:57 Hormonal Interplay in Weight Management
05:11 Estrogen and Heart Disease in Women
07:07 Genetic Variations and Hormonal Imbalances
08:41 Cortisol and Stress Management
10:21 Circadian Rhythm and Eating Habits
12:15 Measuring Cortisol Levels
17:54 Effective Stress Management Techniques
20:47 Testing Cortisol Levels
26:00 Hormonal Changes in Perimenopause and Menopause
30:56 Estrogen Dominance and Genetic Influence
34:00 Caution with Hormone Replacement Therapy
37:18 Key Genetic Variations Women Should Know
42:19 Overstressing and Its Impact on Weight Loss
45:25 Integrative Approach to Weight Loss
49:37 Polygenic Risk Scores in Clinical Applications
 
Links
Schedule a Discovery Call: https://go.holisticheartcenters.com/apply
Access Courses and Events: https://holisticheartcenters.info/hearthealth
Get Heartwell Toolkits: https://shop.holisticheartcenters.com/
Schedule a Business Meeting:https://calendly.com/heartcenters 
 
Connect with Dr. Regina Druz:
Website: http://holisticheartcenters.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@reginadruzmd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.reginadruz 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holisticheartcenters 
Twitter: https://x.com/heartCenters
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Vegiterranean, Anyone? Yes, Please!

Heart disease has been the leading cause of death in the U.S. for over a century, but could changing the way we eat make a real difference? Dr. Kim Williams thinks so.
 
In this episode, Dr. Regina Druz sits down with Dr. Williams from the University of Louisville to break down what to eat for heart health. They talk about the science behind the vegan diet, Mediterranean diet, and DASH diet, weighing the benefits of each. Dr. Williams makes a strong case for a whole food plant-based approach, pointing to research that links it to lower rates of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. Dr. Druz, while not vegan herself, highlights the importance of personalized nutrition and the need to tailor dietary choices to individual health goals.
 
The conversation goes beyond food, touching on healthcare disparities, access to healthy options, and the role of AI in patient care. Dr. Williams shares how he’s using AI tools like ChatGPT to create personalized meal plans, making it easier for patients to follow heart-healthy diets without feeling overwhelmed. They also dig into community-driven solutions, from teaching kitchens to partnerships with local businesses, aimed at increasing access to fresh, affordable produce.
 
If you’re wondering whether your diet really impacts your heart or questioning how to make healthier choices that actually stick, this episode is packed with helpful insights you can use.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Introduction 
01:00 The State of Heart Disease in America
03:55 Health Equity Initiatives at University of Louisville
05:04 Challenges in Inner City Health
07:02 Patient Stories and Health Disparities
10:03 Lifestyle Medicine and Prevention
12:32 Nutritional Advice for Heart Health
14:02 The Role of Time, Team, and Tools in Patient Care
16:20 Whole Food Plant-Based Diet and Heart Health
18:36 The Impact of Unhealthy Plant-Based Foods
20:15 Using AI for Personalized Nutrition Plans
27:09 AI in Medical Practice and Patient Education
30:01 Comparing Popular Heart-Healthy Diets
32:35 Misinterpretations of the Mediterranean Diet Study
35:07 Dr. Williams’ Personal Nutritional Journey
38:05 The Impact of Plant-Based Diet on Cholesterol
41:03 Statins and Plant-Based Diets in Practice
43:08 Patient Adoption of Whole Food Plant-Based Diets
45:03 Teaching Kitchens and Community Health Programs
48:43 Partnerships with Local Businesses for Healthy Eating
 
Links
Schedule a Discovery Call: https://go.holisticheartcenters.com/apply
Access Courses and Events: https://holisticheartcenters.info/hearthealth
Get Heartwell Toolkits: https://shop.holisticheartcenters.com/
Schedule a Business Meeting:https://calendly.com/heartcenters 
 
Connect with Dr. Regina Druz:
Website: http://holisticheartcenters.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@reginadruzmd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.reginadruz 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holisticheartcenters 
Twitter: https://x.com/heartCenters
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Show Your Heart Some Love: Focus on Hypertension

Blood pressure readings can be misleading—are you really hypertensive, or is it just a case of white coat syndrome? Dr. Regina Druz sits down with Dr. Ellie Campbell, a primary care functional medicine doctor, to unpack the complexities of blood pressure, its role in cardiovascular risk, and why a single reading in a doctor’s office might not tell the whole story.
 
Dr. Campbell shares how a patient’s unexpected stroke reshaped her understanding of blood pressure management, leading her to investigate overlooked factors like inflammation and metabolic health. The conversation also covers why home blood pressure monitoring often provides a clearer picture than in-office readings, and how standard measurement mistakes can lead to unnecessary prescriptions.
 
For those questioning whether their numbers reflect reality, this episode offers a guide to tracking blood pressure correctly, recognizing the impact of lifestyle choices, and taking control of heart health before problems arise.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00  Introduction
01:03 The Importance of Cardiovascular Health
02:14 Dr. Ellie Kimball's Book on Hypertension
04:14 The Story of Dee and the Impact of Hypertension
08:45 The Connection Between Dental Health and Cardiovascular Events
10:55 The Silent Killer: Hypertension
14:07 Prevalence of Elevated Blood Pressure
17:45 Theories Behind Rising Hypertension Rates
19:40 The Role of Chronic Stress and Cortisol
24:50 Proper Blood Pressure Measurement Techniques
30:00 The Importance of Accurate Blood Pressure Readings
33:11 Understanding Blood Pressure Guidelines
39:49 Understanding White Coat Effect and Masked Hypertension
41:05 Home Blood Pressure Monitoring vs. 24-Hour Ambulatory Monitoring
44:40 Standardizing Home Blood Pressure Readings
 
Links
Schedule a Discovery Call: https://go.holisticheartcenters.com/apply
Access Courses and Events: https://holisticheartcenters.info/hearthealth
Get Heartwell Toolkits: https://shop.holisticheartcenters.com/
Schedule a Business Meeting:https://calendly.com/heartcenters 
 
Connect with Dr. Regina Druz:
Website: http://holisticheartcenters.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@reginadruzmd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.reginadruz 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holisticheartcenters 
Twitter: https://x.com/heartCenters
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

Three Men Walk Onto a Golf Course: Calcium Score Revisited

Is your calcium score telling the full story of your heart health? Dr. Regina Druz unpacks what a coronary artery calcium score really means, how it relates to vascular age, and why even a seemingly low score can signal long-term risks.  
 
Starting with a quick story of three men on a golf course comparing their calcium scores, Dr. Druz illustrates how numbers like 75, 220, or 3000 can mean very different things depending on age and overall health. Using insights from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, she explains how to assess whether your arteries are aging faster than you, and what that means for your heart.  
 
The episode also tackles the role of cholesterol and the impact of statins in slowing, but not reversing, atherosclerosis. Dr. Druz points out a comprehensive approach to heart health, combining lifestyle changes, medication when necessary, and tools like the MESA calculator to track risk over time.  
 
Dr. Druz encourages listeners to take control of their heart health, advocate for themselves, and use available resources to make informed decisions. Are you wondering, “How high is my calcium score, and what does it mean for me?” This episode has the answers.
 
Quotes
“For you to own your heart health, you have to advocate for yourself and use some of the tools that were initially meant to be practitioner focused, but use it for yourself.” (05:18 | Dr. Regina Druz) 
“What is the coronary age? It’s simply an age at which an average healthy individual has the same calcium score that a person of interest has.” (12:56 | Dr. Regina Druz) 
“Accelerated atherosclerosis is essentially the aging of the arteries. Are your arteries aging faster than you? And for many patients, this actually is the case.” (26:22 | Dr. Regina Druz) 
“Once a person has plaques in their arteries, whether it's coronary arteries or carotid arteries, we can certainly help them to slow down the progression and cause a regression, but we can’t completely reverse them.” (30:47 | Dr. Regina Druz)
 
Links
MESA Coronary Age Calculator: https://internal.mesa-nhlbi.org/about/procedures/tools/mesa-score-risk-calculator
Holistic Heart University Guest Access: https://holisticheartcenters.info/visit
 
Schedule a Discovery Call: https://go.holisticheartcenters.com/apply
Access Courses and Events: https://holisticheartcenters.info/hearthealth
Get Heartwell Toolkits: https://shop.holisticheartcenters.com/
Schedule a Business Meeting:https://calendly.com/heartcenters 
 
Connect with Dr. Regina Druz:
Website: http://holisticheartcenters.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@reginadruzmd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.reginadruz 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holisticheartcenters 
Twitter: https://x.com/heartCenters
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm