# Ep. 173: 6 Things My Dad’s Open Heart Surgery Taught Me About Healthy Aging | Heart Disease | Heart-Thyroid Connection | Hashimoto's | Triple Bypass | Epigenetics |

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/she-talks-health-thyroid-health-tips-functional-medicine-hashimoto-s-hypothyroidism-gut-health-hormones-holistic-healing-2981396/ep-173-6-things-my-dad-s-open-heart-surgery-taught-me-about-healthy-aging-heart-disease-heart-thyroid-connection-hashimoto-s-triple-bypass-epigenetics
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/she-talks-health-thyroid-health-tips-functional-medicine-hashimoto-s-hypothyroidism-gut-health-hormones-holistic-healing-2981396/ep-173-6-things-my-dad-s-open-heart-surgery-taught-me-about-healthy-aging-heart-disease-heart-thyroid-connection-hashimoto-s-triple-bypass-epigenetics.md
Podcast: [SHE Talks Health | Thyroid Health Tips, Functional Medicine, Hashimoto's, Hypothyroidism, Gut Health, Hormones, Holistic Healing](https://stenobird.com/podcast/she-talks-health-thyroid-health-tips-functional-medicine-hashimoto-s-hypothyroidism-gut-health-hormones-holistic-healing-2981396)
Published: 2026-05-14T11:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://shetalkshealth.com/podcast/
Audio file: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/91353336-a64b-4a3f-88e6-d689949ec207.mp3
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Duration seconds: 2104

## Resource

How are hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s related to your risk of having high cholesterol and heart disease? What symptoms have you normalized that might actually be your body asking for help? In this Thyroid Thursday episode, I share what recently happened when my Dad landed in the hospital and ultimately needed open-heart surgery for a triple bypass after doctors found major arterial blockages. This is a vulnerable episode for me, but it comes with great advice on handling unexpected life events and how they relate to your own health management. So get ready for some deep emotions, but also deep insights into why it’s never too late to start taking our health more seriously. I talk about the fear and overwhelm of getting to Florida in time, what it was like watching him go through surgery and early recovery, and how grateful I am that he’s doing well now. From this experience, there are 6 big lessons that changed how I’m showing up in my life and work. As I go through them, I also invite you to think of areas in your own life and health journey that can use some immediate action today. Since this is Thyroid Thursday, we can’t finish an episode without getting a little clinical and science-y. I talk a little bit about the thyroid–heart connection and how the thyroid is closely connected to cholesterol. I explain why, when someone has high cholesterol, I want to see a full thyroid panel (not just TSH), and why treating cholesterol without addressing thyroid function can miss the root issue. I close with a reminder to get the right testing and support now, listen to your body early, release perfectionism, and focus on consistent compassion and action—because we can’t buy back time. And as always, getting your stress and emotional well-being under control is one of the best…

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## Transcript

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