E34: Zanfina Ademi

In this engaging conversation, we explore the future of cardiovascular prevention from the persistent gaps in dyslipidaemia management and the growing cardiovascular impact of obesity to the emerging role of GLP-1 receptor agonists and new approaches to reducing cardiovascular risk. Prof. Konstantinos Koskinas also shares insights from his work in coronary disease and intracoronary imaging, reflects on lessons learned throughout his career, and offers valuable advice to the next generation of cardiologists.---------------------------------------------------Script-prep: Tatyana StorozhenkoInterviewer: Svetlana Stoica

In this episode of AtheroTalk, we meet two pioneers of the PCSK9 story, Prof. Nabil Seidah and Prof. Marianne Abi Fadel. They take us through the discoveries that transformed our understanding of PCSK9 and familial hypercholesterolaemia - from genetic discovery and basic science to therapies that have changed cardiovascular care - while sharing personal reflections on collaboration and the future of lipidology.---------------------------------------------------Script-prep: Fotios Barkas, Azin KheirkhahInterviewer: Fotios Barkas, Azin Kheirkhah

In this episode of AtheroTalk, we are delighted to host Prof. Patrick C. N. Rensen from Leiden University Medical Center, Professor of Endocrinology and a leading researcher in cardiometabolic science. His work focuses on inter-organ crosstalk in glucose and lipid metabolism and its implications for cardiovascular and metabolic disease.By listening to Prof. Rensen’s scientific journey and translational perspective, we explore how experimental models can help us better understand cardiometabolic disease, from the APOE*3-Leiden.CETP mouse model to emerging heart-on-chip technologies. We also discuss the fascinating role of brown adipose tissue in human cardiometabolic health, strategies to enhance its function, and some of the common misconceptions surrounding it.The conversation further takes us into the interplay between circadian rhythms and metabolism, as well as the translational potential of ongoing clinical studies such as CoolBAT and TikTac. Beyond science, Prof. Rensen also shares his perspective on teaching, scientific communication, and the lessons that can be learned from ideas and projects that do not always go as planned.—————————————————Script-prep: Hana BartuskovaInterviewer: Yusuf Ziya Sener

Prof. Katariina Öörni, Co-Editor of Atherosclerosis, the official journal of the EAS and a member of the EAS Executive Committee for Communication in 2025-2028, is our distinguished guest in this episode of AtheroTalk.The conversation paints us a vivid picture about Prof. Öörni’s academic journey and research and is full of inspiring stories. Tune in to hear more about the function of lipoprotein particles and their role in atherosclerosis development, the Atherosclerosis Research Laboratory in the Wihuri Research Institute, the Finnish lifestyle that promotes cardiovascular health, very unusual research subjects and brilliant advice for young clinicians and researchers.---------------------------------------------------Script-prep: Hana BartuškováInterviewer: Laura Gaita

In this episode of AtheroTalk we are privileged to host Prof. Heribert Schunkert, the recipient of the 2026 EAS Anitschkow Prize - the Society’s most prestigious award - for his pioneering work in the genetics of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.By listening to Prof. Schunkert’s inspiring academic journey and thought-provoking insights regarding the future of cardiovascular disease management, this discussion makes us wonder about how we can include polygenic risk scores in daily clinical practice, how we can improve the care of our patients with familial hypercholesterolemia and about how we can overcome the biggest challenges in cardiometabolic medicine.---------------------------------------------------Script-prep: Laura Gaita, Azin Kheirkhah, Tatyana StorozhenkoInterviewer: Laura Gaita

How do we beat atherosclerosis? In this special EAS Stage session, we bring together three rising scientists tackling that single question from completely different angles. Dr Soheil Saeedi (University of Zurich) explores cardiovascular aging and how a gut microbial metabolite can drive endothelial senescence. Dr Cesare Canepari (San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy) makes the case for gene therapy and genome editing to actually cure familial hypercholesterolemia. Dr Berkan Kurt (University Hospital Aachen) brings the clinician-scientist's perspective on inflammation, hsCRP, and emerging biomarkers, straight from the bedside. Three labs, three countries, three toolkits, one disease.---------------------------------------------------Script-prep: Pelin Golforoush, Tatyana StorozhenkoInterviewer: Pelin Golforoush, Tatyana Storozhenko

In this episode of AtheroTalk, we sit down with Prof. Manuel Mayr to explore how proteomics, multi-omics, and systems biology are transforming the way we understand cardiovascular disease. From decoding complex molecular networks to discussing the future of AI-driven medicine, Prof. Mayr shares a fascinating perspective on the evolving landscape of cardiovascular research and the challenges of translating massive datasets into meaningful clinical insight. Beyond the science, the conversation reflects on curiosity, mentorship, and building a career driven by genuine passion.---------------------------------------------------Script-prep: Pelin GolforoushInterviewer: Pelin Golforoush

Prof. Dagmar Kratky is often called the “queen of lipid hydrolases” — and in this episode of AtheroTalk, she shares her passion for this fascinating field. Discover how cells store and mobilize fat, why maintaining the balance between these processes is essential for metabolic health, and which lipid hydrolases still remain to be discovered. Beyond the science, Dagmar Kratky also shares personal insights into the key milestones of her career and offers inspiring advice for young scientists: “Stay persistent, try again, never give up, and never take it personally — just try again, and it will work.” An inspiring conversation about scientific curiosity, resilience, and the future of lipid research.---------------------------------------------------Script-prep: Azin KheirkhahInterviewer: Marion Mussbacher

What does it take to turn scientific evidence into healthcare policy that improves lives? In this AtheroTalk episode, we sit down with Prof. Zanfina Ademi, a leading health economist at Monash University, to explore how health economics shapes modern cardiovascular prevention. From the development of Productivity-Adjusted Life Years (PALYs) to the global push for lipoprotein(a) testing, Prof. Ademi shares insights from her remarkable career at the intersection of science, policy, and public health. Join us for an inspiring conversation about innovation, impact, and the future of cardiovascular care.---------------------------------------------------Script-prep: Azin KheirkhahInterviewer: Azin Kheirkhah

This episode of AtheroTalk features Prof. Raul Santos from Brazil, reflecting on his journey in cardiovascular medicine and his impact on the field of lipidology. The discussion covers advances in familial hypercholesterolemia, LDL lowering, and emerging therapies like Lp(a), alongside the real-world challenges of prevention across different regions. Combining scientific insight with personal perspective, it’s an engaging and thoughtful conversation with a clear message: stay curious, keep pushing forward, and “go after your dreams”.---------------------------------------------------Script-prep: Pelin GolforoushInterviewer: Pelin Golforoush