Every 80 seconds, a woman dies from heart disease — yet most still think cancer is the bigger threat. In this minisode, I sit down with Dr. Jeremy London, board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon, to unpack why women’s cardiovascular risk skyrockets after menopause and how hormones, inflammation, and lifestyle choices all connect. This episode features highlights from our full conversation, which premiered July 24th, 2025. Watch the full episode here → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jbvQRZgb3w Dr. London explains how declining estrogen drives visceral fat, raises cholesterol, and fuels chronic inflammation — creating a “perfect storm” for heart attacks, strokes, and even Alzheimer’s. From estrogen and inflammation to cholesterol, exercise, and sleep — this conversation exposes the real science behind heart and brain health. If you’ve ever wondered how to protect yourself from the #1 killer of women, this episode will change how you think about prevention, hormones, and longevity. *** Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neurophysiologist  — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Topics discussed: 00:00 – Why Women’s Heart Risk Triples After Menopause 00:55 – Estrogen’s Role: Anti-Inflammatory and Protective 01:45 – Weight Gain, Visceral Fat, and Inflammation 02:09 – Cholesterol, LDL, and Rising Risks Post-Menopause 02:38 – The “Perfect Storm” of Metabolic Decline 03:13 – How the Women’s Health Initiative Misled Women on Hormones 03:36 – Estrogen, Brain Health, and Alzheimer’s Connection 04:45 – The #1 Global Killer: Cardiovascular Disease 05:26 – What “Heart Disease” Really Means 06:00 – Cholesterol Explained: HDL, LDL, and Triglycerides 07:37 – Why ApoB Is a More Accurate Marker 09:18 – Plaque Formation and Early Intervention 10:11 – The Study That Reversed Heart Aging by 20 Years 11:24 – VO₂ Max, Zone-5 Training, and Longevity 12:16 – Resistance Training and “Muscle as the Organ of Longevity” 13:09 – Why Consistency Beats Intensity 13:57 – The Sitting Disease and Daily Movement 14:22 – The Power of Nutrition: “Your Body Is the Soil” 15:02 – Whole Foods, Processed Diets, and Alcohol 16:24 – Can Plaque Be Reversed? The Truth 17:11 – Alzheimer’s and Lifestyle: Prevention Starts in Your 30s 18:19 – The Final Pillar: Sleep and Recovery 19:28 – Why Sleep Fuels Brain and Heart Health 20:12 – Which Health Pillar Matters Most for You Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices