Episode 472: Is There Any Role for Niacin Therapy?

This week on Heart Doc VIP, Dr. Joel Kahn takes a fresh look at niacin (vitamin B3) therapy and its role in managing cholesterol and Lipoprotein(a). He reviews both classic and recent research, explains why many clinicians have moved away from niacin, and then walks through data that suggest it may still have value when used thoughtfully and selectively. Dr. Kahn also shares a real-world case study highlighting how niacin can be effective when carefully monitored. In the episode's shorter segments, Dr. Kahn covers a wide range of timely topics, including the relationship between orange juice and heart disease, the link between uterine fibroids and cardiovascular risk, and why achieving remission from pre-diabetes matters more than ever. He also explores research on polyphenol-rich Tartary buckwheat and its potential connection to slower aging, as well as new findings on statin use and muscle strength.  As always, the episode blends evidence-based medicine with practical insights you can apply to your own heart-health journey.  Sponsor:  Thanks to koyah.com/KAHN10 — check out their excellent product line and save with the code KAHN10.

This week, Dr. Joel Kahn dives into a timely topic: how cold weather affects heart health. He breaks down why snow shoveling can put extra stress on the heart, what warning signs to watch for, and the simple steps anyone can take to stay safe — especially when the risks can include sudden cardiac events. He also covers a grab-bag of fascinating updates, including new insights on Lipoprotein(a) and blood type, how kimchi may support immune health, what plant-based diets mean for muscle, the link between beer bellies and heart disease, and a look at President Trump's recent heart check-up.  Special thanks to therasage.com — use code DRKAHN20 for discounts on products like the TheraPro Pad, one of Dr. Kahn's go-to wellness tools.

This week, Dr. Kahn breaks down new research on erectile dysfunction (ED) as an early warning sign—a "canary in the coal mine"—for heart disease and cardiovascular events, including mortality. He also discusses the emerging role of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and highlights new findings suggesting that ED medications like Viagra and Cialis may reduce all-cause mortality and potentially lower the risk of dementia. Additional topics include the connection between sleep apnea and Parkinson's disease, how skipping breakfast may raise cholesterol levels, the impact of high-polyphenol diets on resting heart rate, tai chi for improving sleep, alternate-day fasting, updates on the Watchman device, and new approaches to treating carotid artery disease. This week, Dr. Kahn also highlights the Echo Flask—an elegant way to make hydrogen-rich water. You can order one at echowater.com for a discount.

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving week. In this episode, Dr. Kahn breaks down the latest science on eating for longevity and overall health. He covers everything from high-protein versus plant-based diets to antioxidants, high-fat diets and Alzheimer's risk, red meat and inflammation, and how vegan diets support a lower carbon footprint. Short topics this week include new data on smoking and mortality, the link between gum disease and erectile dysfunction, and emerging research on microplastics and their potential role in atherosclerosis.  Dr. Kahn also shares insights from three recent patients at the Kahn Center.  Thank you to tryauri.com/DRKAHN for supporting the show with their high-quality mushroom gummies and elixirs.

This week, Dr. Kahn provides details on presentations just made and published at the annual scientific meeting of the American Heart Association in New Orleans. Topics include a polypill for heart failure, coffee for atrial fibrillation, an oral PCSK9 inhibitor, beta-blockers after heart attacks, gene editing to lower cholesterol, and the use of PCSK9 inhibitors (Repatha) in a randomized trial of patients at risk for heart attack and stroke.  Dr. Kahn also reviews the role of lycopene in preventing prostate cancer (think tomatoes), colchicine in heart patients, the power of combining statins with ezetimibe, earlier mitral valve repairs, and new data suggesting that drugs like tadalafil (Cialis) may reduce the risk of death and dementia.  Dr. Kahn thanks tryauri.com/drkahn for their support and discount for listeners of Heart Doc VIP.

This week, Dr. Kahn breaks down new research presented at the American Heart Association linking melatonin use to congestive heart failure. Should you be concerned? He shares his expert perspective. Also in this episode: aspirin use in diabetes, fruit's role in Parkinson's disease, how metformin affects exercise results, the impact of heavy metals like mercury on heart health, why daily walking supports "Life's Essential 8" for Alzheimer's prevention, new CCTA data proving the benefits of statins, and how marriage might influence aging.  Don't forget to sample some high-quality olive oil at getfreshdrkahn.com.

This week on Heart Doc VIP, Dr. Joel Kahn reviews the latest advances in treating aortic and mitral valve disease. While prevention remains the cornerstone of heart health, not all valve conditions can be avoided — and many require medical or surgical intervention beyond lifestyle changes. Dr. Kahn brings you up to date on the newest valve therapies and what they mean for patients. Short topics this week include semaglutide's effects on the heart, the connection between gum disease and brain health, the media's role in shaping medical news, the healthiest antidote to sitting, stem cells for heart repair, the value of calcium scoring, and how fruits and vegetables can improve sleep.  Dr. Kahn also invites listeners to explore catchbio.com — the first cancer screening and prevention risk app. Use code DRKAHN to save 25% on the annual subscription. And don't miss out on high-quality EVOO from getfreshdrkahn.com — just $1 for shipping!

In this bonus episode, Dr. Kahn sits down with Dr. William Hsu, Chief Medical Officer at L-Nutra (Prolon) and former Harvard Medical School faculty member, for a fascinating look at how fasting can help put Type 2 diabetes into remission. Dr. Hsu explains why muscle mass is crucial for managing diabetes — it's where glucose gets absorbed — and how the Fasting Mimicking Diet (just five days a month for six or more months) can lead to incredible results. The program not only supports blood sugar control but also helps preserve muscle and target belly fat, which is exactly what you want from healthy weight loss. Check out the programs mentioned in the episode:  🔗 Prolon — prolonlife.com/drkahn 🔗 L-Nutra Health Metabolic Programs

This week, Dr. Kahn dives into new research linking plant-based diets to both a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and improved control in type 1 diabetes. (Fun fact: even eating one juicy mango a day can help with blood sugar control!) He also tackles the recent Consumer Reports headlines about lead in protein powders, explaining why the use of California's Prop 65 limits may have exaggerated the concern compared to what most health experts believe.  Finally, Dr. Kahn reviews new data on Lipoprotein(a) and heart health—including one fascinating study that connects risk levels to waist size.  This episode is brought to you by the Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Club. Get your discount at getfreshdrkahn.com .

This week, Dr. Joel Kahn explores three advanced methods for cleansing the blood. He begins with apheresis, a medical technique that removes LDL cholesterol and Lipoprotein(a), and discusses new developments in access to this life-saving therapy. Dr. Kahn also breaks down two emerging treatments gaining popularity—EBOO (Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation) and TPE (Therapeutic Plasma Exchange)—and how they may play a role in improving cardiovascular health. In the second half, Dr. Kahn turns to the topic of cholesterol-lowering therapies like statins, emphasizing how long-term use and individualized risk assessment matter more than online debates suggest. He highlights tools such as the Mayo Clinic Statin Decision Aid, PREVENT calculator, and Astro-CHARM calculator to help patients and practitioners make informed decisions.  Thanks to the Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Club for sponsoring this episode. Visit getfreshdrkahn.com for a special offer.