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