Protect Your Heart Now
Fri Feb 06 2026
Heart disease is the number one killer of women over 65—and up to 80% of the time, it’s preventable.
In honor of National Wear Red Day and Heart Health Month, Dr. Vickie breaks down what every woman needs to know about protecting her heart before problems start—and how the choices you make before menopause show up later in life.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why heart disease overtakes cancer as the leading cause of death in women after 65
The American Heart Association’s Essential Eight for heart health, explained Lifestyle Medicine–style
How food, movement, sleep, and smoking directly affect blood vessels and blood flow
Why everything that’s good for your brain is also good for your heart
How heart attack symptoms can look very different in women—and why that matters
Exactly what to do if you think you’re having a heart attack (hint: coughing is not the answer)
From plant-forward eating and physical activity to sleep, weight, and knowing your numbers, this episode is a practical, evidence-based roadmap to loving your heart back—at any age.
Don’t just wear red. Live red.
Because healthy isn’t just what you do—it’s who you become. ❤️
RESOURCES:
American Lung Association smoking cessation
The American Heart Association Essential 8
Sleep Resources
More
Heart disease is the number one killer of women over 65—and up to 80% of the time, it’s preventable. In honor of National Wear Red Day and Heart Health Month, Dr. Vickie breaks down what every woman needs to know about protecting her heart before problems start—and how the choices you make before menopause show up later in life. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why heart disease overtakes cancer as the leading cause of death in women after 65 The American Heart Association’s Essential Eight for heart health, explained Lifestyle Medicine–style How food, movement, sleep, and smoking directly affect blood vessels and blood flow Why everything that’s good for your brain is also good for your heart How heart attack symptoms can look very different in women—and why that matters Exactly what to do if you think you’re having a heart attack (hint: coughing is not the answer) From plant-forward eating and physical activity to sleep, weight, and knowing your numbers, this episode is a practical, evidence-based roadmap to loving your heart back—at any age. Don’t just wear red. Live red. Because healthy isn’t just what you do—it’s who you become. ❤️ RESOURCES: American Lung Association smoking cessation The American Heart Association Essential 8 Sleep Resources