The Healthspan Podcast
For most of us, the truth is, our health isn’t what we want it to be. We do our best, but it’s a challenge these days. It’s no secret the world can be an unhealthy place and the result is that more than 60% of adults are sick with diseases like high blood pressure, unhealthy weight, high blood sugar, and heart disease. All of that disease is costing us. We are taking tons of medications - spending too much time in doctor’s offices and hospitals - and not living life to the fullest. That’s why I started ”The Healthspan Podcast”. As a cardiologist with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen firsthand the power of lifestyle modification in treating and even reversing the chronic diseases that plague our society. In this podcast, we’ll delve deep into the world of preventive medicine, exploring evidence-based strategies to help you optimize your health, reclaim your vitality, and break free from the cycle of medications and doctor’s visits. Each episode features insightful discussions with leading experts and inspiring stories from individuals who have successfully transformed their health through lifestyle changes. We’ll cover topics like nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep hygiene, and mental and emotional wellbeing. Our goal is to empower you with practical knowledge and actionable advice for your health journey. Join me, Dr. R. Todd Hurst, MD, FASE, FACE, as we uncover the heart of the matter and embark on a journey towards better health and more vibrant life. Let’s cut through the noise and misinformation and, together, create a path to a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life. Subscribe now to The Healthspan Podcast and take the first step towards transforming your health and the quality of your life.
Episodes

Sunday Jun 18, 2023
Sunday Jun 18, 2023
In this episode of "The Healthspan Podcast," Dr. R. Todd Hurst welcomes Dr. Cristina Pecci, DO, a cardiology specialist with over 7 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Pecci specializes in echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, vascular medicine, preventive care, and women's health, working at Steward Health in Tempe, AZ.
Dr. Pecci and Dr. Hurst dive into the topic of women's heart health, discussing the alarming fact that 1 in 4 women die from heart disease. They explore the reasons behind this statistic, touching on factors like genetics, PCOS, and estrogen deficiencies. Dr. Pecci emphasizes the importance of knowing your numbers and being aware of your genetic risk factors.
The conversation then moves on to the differences in how heart issues manifest in men and women, with women more likely to experience symptoms like digestive issues, nausea, referred pain, jaw pain, and fatigue. Dr. Pecci shares her advice for women on how to advocate for themselves and ensure they receive proper care.
Dr. Pecci also shares her approach to helping her patients and discusses the phenomenon of dying from a broken heart, also known as stress cardiomyopathy. She explains why women may be more likely to experience takosubo and how the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a spike in these cases.
The discussion then explores the connection between stress, depression, anxiety, and heart health. Dr. Pecci shares her insights on the importance of support groups, sharing your story, and allowing yourself to be cared for after a heart attack or event. She emphasizes the need to control what you can and leave the rest to your doctor.
Join Dr. R. Todd Hurst and Dr. Cristina Pecci in this informative and empowering episode on women's heart health and advocacy. Subscribe now to The Healthspan Podcast and continue your journey towards a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Don't make any decisions about your medical treatment without first talking to your doctor.

Thursday Jun 01, 2023
Thursday Jun 01, 2023
Schedule your in-person consultation with Dr. Hurst today!
Welcome to another episode of "The Healthspan Podcast" with your host, Dr. R. Todd Hurst. In today's episode, we have a fascinating conversation with Dr. Maria V. Gibson, MD, PHD, the author of "Find Your Way: Illness, Doctors, and Healthcare: A doctor’s guide to taking charge of your health and navigating modern healthcare". Dr. Gibson shares her journey, her insights on navigating the complexities of modern healthcare, and her advice on how to take control of your health.
Throughout the discussion, Dr. Gibson and Dr. Hurst explore the importance of understanding your family history, the habits that drive your risk, and how to be the CEO of your health. They also discuss the generational differences in healthcare expectations and the ways doctors need to adapt to the changing landscape of patient care.
At 11:00, Dr. Gibson explains the differences in healthcare approach between baby boomers and Generation Y. At 12:20, she shares a personal story about establishing a relationship with her patients, and how the meaning of "doctor" translates to "teacher." Dr. Gibson then discusses her early career experience working a $5 an hour job and how it influenced her approach to healthcare.
At 17:24, Dr. Gibson delves into the topic of finding your health advisors and addresses the divisive nature of health advice in modern times. A great caption moment occurs at 20:10, when Dr. Gibson and Dr. Hurst have an insightful conversation about Takosubo cardiomyopathy and its impact on women's health.
The discussion then moves on to the connection between the brain and the heart, with Dr. Hurst providing a detailed explanation. At 35:00, Dr. Gibson shares her personal experience combating her broken heart symptoms through yoga, tai chi, and meditation.
Starting at 36:00, the conversation shifts to the foundational role of stress and sleep in overall health. Dr. Gibson shares her recommendations for managing stress at 38:20, including controlling your environment, diet, exercise, sleep, and surrounding yourself with a supportive community.
This episode is packed with actionable advice on how to take control of your health and create a personalized roadmap to living a long, healthy life. If you're ready to transform your health and break free from the cycle of medications and doctor’s visits, don't miss this episode of "The Healthspan Podcast" with Dr. R. Todd Hurst and Dr. Maria V. Gibson.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Don't make any decisions about your medical treatment without first talking to your doctor.

Monday May 08, 2023
Monday May 08, 2023
Book an in-person cardiology consultation with Dr. Hurst today!
Welcome to another episode of "The Healthspan Podcast" with your host, Dr. R. Todd Hurst. In today's episode, we have an insightful conversation featuring Arizona celebrity Mathew Blades, Dr. Hurst, and Rielyn Hoffman, discussing heart health, personal stories, and the importance of preventative measures. Mathew Blades shares his own heart-wrenching story, emphasizing the significance of awareness and understanding of heart-related issues.
Throughout the discussion, they explore the role of CPR and defibrillation, silent heart attacks, and emotional impact of heart health experiences. They also share incredible personal stories and reflections on pain and dying during a heart attack, as well as the importance of proactive heart health care.
At 00:04:34, Mathew Blades shares his personal story. At 00:13:20, the importance of CPR and defibrillation is discussed. At 00:23:53, they talk about how heart attacks can be silent. At 00:29:56, the conversation delves into the emotional impact of heart health experiences. At 00:39:06, the incredible save of a retired Marine colonel is shared. At 00:41:12, they reflect on dying and pain during a heart attack. At 00:42:29, they emphasize the importance of proactive heart health care.
This episode is filled with heartfelt stories and expert advice on how to take control of your heart health and create a personalized roadmap to live a long, healthy life. If you're ready to transform your health and be proactive in heart disease prevention, don't miss this episode of "The Healthspan Podcast" with Dr. R. Todd Hurst, Mathew Blades, and Rielyn Hoffman.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Don't make any decisions about your medical treatment without first talking to your doctor.
Subscribe now to The Healthspan Podcast and join us on this journey towards a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.

Friday Mar 31, 2023
Friday Mar 31, 2023
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Don't make any decisions about your medical treatment without first talking to your doctor.