The #1 Killer of Women: Cardiologist Reveals Menopause Heart Disease Risks

Heart disease? That’s a “man’s issue,” right? Wrong.

In this truth-bomb-packed episode of The Forties Formula podcast, hosts Jasmin Dhillon and Amanda Lim sit down with DR. JEANNE ONG —cardiologist, CrossFitter, and all-around powerhouse—to shatter the myth that women are safe from heart disease.

From hidden symptoms and high blood pressure to how exercise really protects your heart, this is the no-fluff, real-talk heart health conversation every woman over 35 needs to hear. Find out:

• Why women are more likely to die from heart failure than men And why we’re also less likely to be properly medicated or diagnosed.
• The “strong but stiff” heart issue that’s under-recognized in women Not all heart failure looks the same—especially in women over 40.
• The truth about high blood pressure, even in fit and active women Yes, it still matters. Yes, it still puts you at risk. No, supplements alone aren’t enough.
• The cardio-vs-weights debate for heart health—and how to balance both Dr. Jeanne shares the evidence behind different exercise types and her own CrossFit secrets.
• Why HIIT isn’t the villain (but isn’t always the hero either) Plus: VO₂ Max explained, zone training basics, and why breathless workouts can feel so damn cathartic.

Listen now to The Forties Formula. This episode might just save your life—or someone else’s.

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CHAPTERS

00:00 What women need to know first about heart health

05:30 Why women’s lifetime heart risk is equal—or greater—than men’s

16:00 Why hypertension is under-treated in women

20:00 Genetics, ethnicity, and personal risk factors

24:00 Is high-normal blood pressure safe?

28:00 Hypotension, POTS, and what’s normal for low BP

36:00 The truth about keto, carbs, and sustainable eating

45:00 Cardio vs. HIIT: what works and for whom

50:00 VO₂ max explained in real-life terms

55:00 Emotional + physical benefits of intense workouts

01:00:00 How women experience and process effort differently

01:05:00 Advice for women navigating perimenopause and fitness

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