Episode 522: The Central Role of Exercise in Cardiac Health

Exercise is one of the most powerful tools we have to protect our heart health at every stage of life. This week, Dr. Kahn explores a new statement from the American College of Cardiology emphasizing the importance of physical activity throughout our lives. Sadly, fewer than 20% of teens meet the criteria for optimal cardiovascular health, highlighting a major opportunity to make movement and exercise a bigger part of everyday life in our schools and workplaces. The benefits go far beyond the heart—from head to toe! Also covered in this episode: statins and dementia, new data on Repatha, CoQ10 and diabetes, elevated blood pressure and mortality, tadalafil and muscle health, and the connection between long COVID and high blood pressure. Special thanks to HiLo for supporting this episode! Learn more about the HiLo blood pressure band here: hilousa.sjv.io/c/2316006/3958663/54960

This week, Dr. Kahn presents the case of a patient seen this month at the Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity who, over the course of five years, has reversed artery aging and plaque and is enjoying excellent health. He discusses the program used to achieve these benefits. This case, along with many others from the Kahn Center, offers hope for maintaining youthful arteries throughout your life. Other topics include the failure of NR in Parkinson's disease, lipoprotein(a) variability and its relationship to carotid plaque, vegan diets for type 2 diabetes, the USDA dietary guidelines and health, caffeine before sprint exercise, and the possible advantages of low-cysteine diets. Thanks to xtendlife.com. Use discount code KAHN15.

This week, Dr. Kahn presents a new scientific statement by the American College of Cardiology on nutrition to prevent heart disease. The emphasis is on plant-based choices while limiting red meat, processed foods, and excess added sugar. Sometimes, hearing the same recommendation over and over can help. Other topics include statin protection during chemotherapy, retatrutide for weight loss, the MIND diet for brain health, walnuts to boost mood, chronic inflammation and heart disease as measured by CRP and GlycA, and pomegranates for heart health. Thanks to our sponsor, XtendLife. Use the discount code KAHN15 at checkout.

This week, as a bonus, Dr. Kahn interviews a Detroit clothing legend, Phil, who celebrated his 100th birthday recently by buying a new sports car! He is approaching his 78th wedding anniversary with his beautiful wife. He discussed his early days in business and early successes, and his health journey, relying a lot on the education he got by repeatedly visiting the Pritikin Longevity Center. This is an uplifting session with a very bright man with a lot of wisdom.

This week, Dr. Kahn brings back the topic of Mankai Duckweed, the smallest edible plant, which provides a complete protein profile, >200 polyphenols, B12, choline, folate, Omega-3s, and other nutrients. Mankai was previously available as a frozen cube but has returned to the market as a user-friendly powder. Mankai is available here: partners.eatmankai.com/AA-DRKAHN Other topics include a trial of ablation in atrial fibrillation, early cancer screening blood tests (Galleri), a new cholesterol medication, obicetrapib, soy intake and lower breast cancer risk, and the power of a calcium CT score of zero. Thanks to Xtend-Life and the discount code KAHN15 on xtendlife.com/products/xtend-quinol and all their other products.

In this episode, Dr. Kahn interviews Ben Tammetta, founder of H2Biohacker, about inhaled molecular hydrogen. They discuss the research behind it and its potential role in supporting health at the cellular level. Dr. Kahn has used molecular hydrogen daily for nearly a year and shares how he feels it has supported his health. Use discount code DrKahn200 at H2Biohacker, or visit this link.

This week, Dr. Kahn discusses a large study on the impact of whole-grain consumption on heart health. The review article also addresses the optimal number of daily servings for improving weight, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Dr. Kahn offers ideas for incorporating more whole grains into your daily diet. Other topics include movement span, medications that may lower dementia risk, hot liquids and cancer, weekend warrior activity, ProLon and heart function (www.prolonlife.com/drkahn), the role of CGMs, and, finally, a paper on cockroaches!  Please visit xtendlife.com for GG Pure and use discount code KAHN15.

This week, Dr. Kahn discusses two large new studies examining the role of routine coronary artery calcium CT scoring around age 61 and its impact on clinical outcomes. Dr. Kahn favors getting a first calcium CT score at age 45 or younger. One study found that potentially unnecessary statin use was three times higher when a calcium CT score was not available. Patients were also much more likely to follow their recommended treatment when calcium scoring results were available. The second study found that CT results led to a major change in therapy for one in five people. These are encouraging findings that further support the #TestNotGuess approach. Other topics include: Low cardiac risk at age 42 and long-term outcomes Working from home and prolonged sitting Piping-hot drinks and esophageal cancer Menopausal hormone therapy and heart risk The prevalence of omega-3 deficiency Ahiflower as an omega-3 supplement Blood pressure and dementia Gout and heart disease Thanks to Central Coast Live Foods. Use discount code DrKahn10 on Kraut Krackers and Trail Salad fermented crackers.

This week, Dr. Kahn discusses the widespread disappointment following Novartis' announcement that its 8,000-patient HORIZON trial of a lipoprotein(a)-lowering drug failed to meet its primary endpoint. The news came as a major surprise and disappointment to patients eagerly awaiting access to this medication. No additional details have been released, and there is not yet a published paper to review. Dr. Kahn discusses the possible reasons the trial failed and what he plans to do moving forward. Other topics include lifestyle factors associated with sudden cardiac arrest, mindfulness for elevated blood pressure, hormone therapy and the female brain during menopause, the risks of off-label testosterone therapy in men, GLP-1 medications and lifespan, Mounjaro and cardiovascular risk, TMAO and brain atrophy, statins and reduced dementia risk, and the connection between adverse pregnancy outcomes and future cardiovascular disease.  Dr. Kahn's new book, Don't Drop Dead, is available in print, audiobook, and Kindle formats on Amazon.  Finally, thanks to WellBean and its amazing bean bars. Use promo code DrKahn15 to save money on your order.

Dr. Kahn interviews Anurag Singh, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer of Timeline Nutrition, whose research has focused on urolithin A, a compound produced from nutrients found in pomegranates. Nearly 20 years of research have resulted in more than 500 studies, 25 human clinical trials, and 80 patents related to this unique compound, which is available in powders, capsules, and even gummies. Research suggests that urolithin A may safely support mitochondrial renewal and muscle strength. Timeline Nutrition was also selected as a finalist in the $101 million XPRIZE Healthspan competition. Listeners can use the discount code KAHN10 to save on orders from Timeline Nutrition.