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.

What if you could see heart disease years before your first symptom?

In this episode of Cardio Conversations with Jen and Ankit, we put on our detective hats and dive into the world of early detection of coronary artery disease. Chest pain isn’t the only clue — in fact, one-third of first heart attacks occur in people with no warning signs at all.

Dr. Ankitkumar Patel, interventional cardiologist, and Jennifer Abitabilo, advanced practice nurse, break down the tools, technology, and clinical reasoning that allow us to detect dangerous plaque before it strikes. From coronary calcium scoring to coronary CT angiography to AI-powered plaque analysis, this episode explores the science that is reshaping prevention and early detection.

🔑 In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why symptoms aren’t a reliable warning sign.

• How calcium scoring works and why it can be more predictive than cholesterol.

• The role of AI in identifying high-risk plaques invisible to the naked eye.

• How modern imaging reduces unnecessary invasive procedures.

• Two practical questions to ask your doctor about early detection.

What if the most dangerous heart disease gives you no warning at all?

In this very first episode of Cardio Conversations with Jen and Ankit, we dive into the #1 cause of death worldwide: heart disease. It’s often called the silent killer because it can quietly progress for years before showing a single symptom.

Dr. Ankitkumar Patel, an interventional cardiologist, and Jennifer Abitabilo, APN, bring you behind the scenes of modern cardiology. Together, they break down how plaque builds up inside arteries, why symptoms don’t always show up until it’s too late, and what you can do right now to protect yourself.

This isn’t just another medical lecture. It’s a myth-busting, story-driven conversation designed for anyone who cares about their heart—from patients and families to medical professionals looking for fresh perspectives.

• Why nearly half of sudden cardiac deaths happen with no prior symptoms.

• How plaque can start forming as early as your teenage years.

• Why having a family history of early heart disease doubles your own risk.

• The surprising truth that cholesterol numbers alone don’t always predict heart disease.

• Two simple, actionable steps you can take this week to lower your risk.

1. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., accounting for 1 in every 5 deaths. (CDC)

2. Signs of plaque buildup can be seen in 1 in 6 teenagers on autopsy studies. (JAMA)

3. Nearly 45% of sudden cardiac deaths occur without any prior symptoms. (Circulation)

4. Having a parent with early heart disease doubles your risk. (JACC)

5. Cardiovascular disease kills more people globally each year than all cancers combined. (WHO)

“You’d know if you had heart disease.”
False. Heart disease can remain silent for decades until the first symptom is a major event like a heart attack.

Every episode of Cardio Conversations blends:

• Real patient stories from the cath lab and clinic

• Cutting-edge science explained in plain language

• Actionable takeaways you can use at your next checkup

• A friendly, down-to-earth conversation that’s as relatable as it is informative

1. Heart disease is common, deadly, and often silent.

2. Knowing your numbers and risk factors early gives you the power to prevent it.

This week, your challenge is simple: find out your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers—write them down and keep track. Awareness is the first step toward prevention.

If you learned something today, share this episode with someone you care about. Together, we can change the way people think about heart health.

👉 Cardio Conversations with Jen and Ankit — where prevention meets intervention, in plain language, with a heartbeat.

🔑 In this episode you’ll learn:📊 Key Stats We Discuss:💡 Myth of the Week🎧 Why Listen?📌 Key Takeaways🎵 Outro Challenge🔗 Share the Love