Cholesterol: Overcoming Genetics
For most, reducing LDL-Cholesterol is a straightforward process: diet, exercise, red yeast rice and a statin if necessary. But if high LDL is written into your genes, none of that will move the needle. High Lp(a), measured by a simple blood-test, meant there wasn't much you could do... until researchers discovered PCSK9 inhibitors. Lipfendra, a daily oral medication, is a tool for those with familial hypercholesterolemia. In this episode of Generation Health, host Dante DiMatteo, PharmD, breaks down the latest March 2026 cholesterol guidelines and explores breakthrough treatments like Lipfendra. Learn how cutting-edge lipid science is making it possible to target previously unmovable genetic risk without relying solely on injectable medications. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN: • How the new tiered LDL targets redefine personal risk levels. • Why LDL-C risk levels are now individualized rather than a single number. • The difference between cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C & Lp(a) • How a one-time test can reveal genetic lipid risk. • How LDL-C (and other small particles) were identified as the primary risk factor for heart attack. • Who the FDA approved Lipfendra for, and how to know if it should be considered in conversations with your doctor. We love questions. Comment below or email us: [email protected] CONNECT: Products - https://askjoedimatteo.com/youtube Questions - [email protected] Facebook - https://facebook.com/askjoedimatteo Instagram - https://tinyurl.com/5n6kfwhs PODCAST: Apple Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/GHShowApple Google Podcasts - https://tinyurl.com/GHShowYTM Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3B2v7PmHxLuxFoWOIWko8X?si=7ae14c5e6d1e449a Rumble - https://rumble.com/user/GenerationHealth YouTube Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/@GenerationHealthShow YouTube Clips - https://www.youtube.com/@askjoedimatteo Generation Health is a podcast discussing cutting edge research and time tested best practices to help you live better, longer. Joey DiMatteo (PharmD, CCN), & Dante DiMatteo (PharmD) are the second generation in a family dedicated to helping educate listeners so they can make informed decisions about their own health. Incorporating their extensive knowledge in pharmaceuticals, nutrition, exercise, and supplementation, they love sharing their wisdom with anyone looking to improve their life! CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Show Intro 00:47 - Cholesterol Basics: LDL and HDL 01:52 - New Personalized Risk Targets 02:06 - Genetic Risk: Lp(a) 02:40 - Lipfendra 04:07 - Who is this for? 04:39 - Lipfendra Study Results 06:16 - Safety Profile 06:55 - Two Common Mistakes 08:34 - Why We Target LDL-C 14:09 - LDL Reduction vs Fewer Heart Attacks 14:39 - The LDL-C Gray Zone 17:06 - Notes on Lipfendra 18:30 - Takeaways SHOW NOTES: 1) Lipfendra Trial (Study) - https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2511002 2) Oral PCSK9 Safety (Study) - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41206969/ 3) Oral PCSK9 vs Nonstatins (Study) - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42017875/ 4) French PCSK9 Genetics (Study) - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12730697/ 5) Genetic Low PCSK9 (Study) - https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa054013 6) Mutation in PCSK9 (Study) - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16909389/ 7) Longterm Lower LDL-C (Study) - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23083789/ 8) PCSK9 Inhib Trial, 2.2 Years (Study) - https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1615664 9) New Lipid Guidelines - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41824552/ 10) Points Not Percents (Study) - https://www.thelancet.com/article/S0140-6736(10)61350-5/fulltext DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor-patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and the materials linked to this podcast is at the user's own risk. The content on this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listeners should NOT disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they have, and they should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.
