The cath lab can save lives — but it’s not the first step in diagnosing heart disease. In this episode of Cardio Conversations with Jen and Ankit, we walk through how doctors decide when it’s time to move from non-invasive tests to the cath lab. From the first complaints of chest pain to the advanced tools we use inside the lab, we explain the pathway that guides patients safely and effectively.

Dr. Ankitkumar Patel and Jennifer Abitabilo, APN break down the decision-making process behind ischemic heart disease. You’ll hear how ECGs, stress tests, CT angiography, and invasive physiology work together to create a complete picture of whether a stent or bypass is truly needed. We’ll also discuss why not every blockage requires an intervention, and how physiology testing has transformed modern cardiology.

This episode gives you a front-row seat to the way cardiologists think: step by step, evidence-based, and always balancing risk and benefit. Whether you’re a patient wondering about your own chest pain workup or a clinician wanting a clear framework to explain to others, this episode will make the cath lab less intimidating and more understandable.

When most people hear “cholesterol,” they think of a single number on a lab slip. But the truth is, heart risk isn’t defined by just your LDL or HDL. In this episode of Cardio Conversations with Jen and Ankit, we go beyond the basics to explore why cholesterol is more complex than it seems — and why knowing your numbers is only the beginning of understanding heart disease risk.

Dr. Ankitkumar Patel and Jennifer Abitabilo, APN unpack the latest science on cholesterol subtypes, from lipoprotein(a) to apolipoprotein B, and explain how inflammation plays just as big of a role as traditional cholesterol levels. We’ll highlight why two patients with the same “normal” cholesterol readings can have dramatically different risks, and how clinicians are rethinking testing and treatment strategies. Along the way, we also address common myths and misconceptions about diet, statins, and supplements.

Whether you’re a patient looking to better understand your lab report or a medical professional who wants a fresh way to explain cholesterol to your patients, this episode brings clarity and nuance. By the end, you’ll know why cholesterol is more than a single number — and you’ll walk away with practical questions to bring to your next doctor’s visit.

What if your angiogram looks “normal”… but your chest pain is still very real?

In this episode of Cardio Conversations with Jen and Ankit, we explore the under-recognized world of microvascular angina - a condition where the smallest vessels of the heart misbehave, even when large arteries look clear. It’s sometimes called “cardiac syndrome X,” and it disproportionately affects women.

Dr. Ankitkumar Patel, interventional cardiologist, and Jennifer Abitabilo, advanced practice nurse, share how microvascular disease is diagnosed, why it’s often overlooked, and what it means for both patients and clinicians. From physiology tests to lifestyle impacts, this conversation shines a light on the hidden side of ischemic heart disease.

🔑 In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why microvascular angina often gets missed.

• The role of stress tests, coronary flow reserve, and invasive physiology in diagnosis.

• Why women are at higher risk — and why their symptoms are too often dismissed.

• How treatment combines medication, lifestyle, and innovative therapies.

• Two practical ways to advocate for yourself if chest pain persists despite a “normal” cath.