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 Druz also challenges the outdated idea of “good” and “bad” cholesterol and introduces a smarter way to think about risk: by focusing on the full picture, including ApoB and a simple ratio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