Episode 492: Does the Shingles Vaccine Reduce Heart and Brain Disease?

This week, Dr. Kahn addresses a topic gaining attention in the media: whether taking the shingles vaccine (Shingrix in the USA) may reduce the risk of heart events and dementia. Multiple studies suggest this could be true, although no randomized trials have been performed to confirm it. Furthermore, most of these studies focus on a version of the vaccine that was discontinued in the U.S. in 2020 (Zostavax), making the assumption that Shingrix provides the same benefits somewhat speculative. This is a topic worth discussing with your primary care team. Other topics include controversies in nutrition, B vitamins and stroke risk, and the impact of medications for mild dementia.  This episode is sponsored by the Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Club at getfreshdrkahn.com, featuring a limited $1 offer on high-quality olive oils.

This week, Dr. Kahn dives into heart disease in "masters athletes," highly active individuals over 35 who train and compete at a serious level. Despite their fitness, research shows they may face equal—or even higher—rates of cardiovascular issues like arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, and aortic dilation. A new consensus statement breaks down what to watch for and recommends advanced screening like EKGs, coronary calcium scans, and detailed blood work. Beyond that, Dr. Kahn shares insights from his own recent mitral valve surgery recovery and explores why common heart risk calculators often miss people who go on to have heart attacks. He highlights better testing options, including coronary calcium scoring, and discusses a study showing most heart attack patients would have been labeled "low risk" using standard tools.  The episode also covers research on plant-based diets lowering dementia risk and reducing environmental impact, plus findings that avocados and mangos may improve vascular health. Sleep gets a spotlight too, with evidence that irregular sleep patterns can double heart attack risk, and that both too little and too much sleep may increase dementia risk. This episode is sponsored by the Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Club at getfreshdrkahn.com , featuring a limited $1 offer on high-quality olive oils.

This week, Dr. Kahn shares an update on his recovery following robotic mitral valve repair surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. Just 10–12 days post-op, he walks through his experience—from diagnosis and testing to surgery with Marc Gillinov, MD.  He covers the procedure, time in the ICU, and early recovery milestones, along with what's next in his healing journey. Thanks to Igennus for sponsoring this episode—visit igennus.com and use code DrKahn.

This week, Dr. Kahn shares exciting updates from the American College of Cardiology meeting, highlighting several new trials focused on reducing heart events in patients with diabetes and those with established heart disease. The results are promising and could help prevent strokes, heart attacks, and even save lives. Additional topics include vegan diets and cancer risk, heart disease in police officers, the link between Alzheimer's disease and statins, concerns around erythritol sweeteners, Lp(a) levels in stent patients, niacin for fatty liver disease, and the role of beta blockers after heart attacks.  This episode is brought to you by Igennus Healthcare Nutrition—formulators of high-quality, science-backed supplements designed for optimal absorption and effectiveness. Their products are rigorously tested and trusted by health professionals worldwide. Visit igennus.com and use code DrKahn to save on your order.

What if a quick, painless ultrasound could reveal your true vascular age? In this bonus episode of Heart Doc VIP, host Dr. Joel Kahn sits down with Joseph Ence to discuss CIMT (carotid intima-media thickness)—a simple, non-invasive test used in over 5,000 research studies over the past 20+ years to measure plaque and thickness in the carotid arteries. Safe and radiation-free, this ultrasound provides valuable insight into your cardiovascular health by estimating your "vascular age."  They also explore how targeted interventions—like lifestyle changes, supplements, and medications—may help improve—and even reverse—vascular age.

This week, Dr. Kahn breaks down new research on dementia risk, including the roles of high blood pressure and early menopause. He looks at conflicting studies on red meat and ApoE4, which pretty much sums up nutrition science: one study says yes, another says absolutely not. For now, limiting red meat—especially processed—is still the safest move. He also covers the risks of skipping breakfast, calcium CT scoring for elevated lipoprotein(a), tooth loss and heart disease, long-term clopidogrel use after stents, ultraprocessed foods, Repatha and statins, Cleerly AI scans, micro-exercise breaks, and why elevated TMAO may increase blood clot risk.  This episode is sponsored by Igennus. Visit igennus.com and use code DRKAHN for a discount.

The replay of the 4th Reversing Heart Disease Summit is going on now. Register here: drtalks.com/summits/reversing-heart-disease This week, Dr. Kahn addresses the newly published 2026 guidelines for the management of hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), which will be studied and used by medical professionals all over the world. The top 10 takeaways are presented and are similar to the approach used at the Kahn Center for over a decade. Other topics include the challenge of staying vegan, the influence of cold temperatures on aortic dissection, the development of clogged arteries after a normal heart artery CT scan, the role of olive oil on the brain, red light therapy and music and the autonomic nervous system, plant-based diets and TMAO, bacteria and the brain, the role of a low uric acid level, the advantages of Eliquis over Xarelto in a new trial, and the FDA inquiry into the maker of Wegovy and Ozempic.  Thanks to Igennus.com for their support. Use the discount code DrKahn to save.

The 4th Reversing Heart Disease Summit began March 7, 2026. There will be a replay available, and the event is free to attend online. Register here: drtalks.com/summits/reversing-heart-disease This week, Dr. Kahn addresses the recurring posts on social media about nattokinase supplements as a "powerhouse" for reversing atherosclerosis. Is there new data? Is it powerful? Would mainstream medicine accept it? Should you use it? These questions and more are addressed.  Other topics include the risks of sleep apnea with insomnia, sleep duration and glucose control, possible risks of spermidine, and the happy feeling that eating flavanol-rich foods like grapes can give you.  Thanks to Igennus.com for their support. Use the discount code DrKahn to save.

Join Dr. Kahn for the 4th Reversing Heart Disease Summit beginning March 7, 2026. The event is free to attend online. Register here: drtalks.com/summits/reversing-heart-disease This week, Dr. Kahn reviews new research examining the connection between red meat consumption and the risk of diabetes, elevated cholesterol, and cancer. He also discusses findings from a large study showing that vegetarian diets are associated with a lower risk of several types of cancer.  Additional topics include emerging treatments for Lipoprotein(a), the role of coronary CT angiography in women and in individuals with a family history of heart disease, newly identified predictors of cardiovascular risk in women, dietary patterns that support brain health, and screening strategies to reduce the risk of cardiac arrest in young athletes.  Thanks to Igennus. Visit igennus.com and use the discount code DrKahn for savings on their products.

This week, Dr. Kahn discusses his current health challenge: a leaky mitral valve due to mitral valve prolapse, a condition of unknown cause that is unrelated to lifestyle or diet. He reviews data on mitral valve surgery, comparing repair to replacement, as well as the current availability of robotic surgery and its advantages. He plans to keep the Heart Doc VIP community updated on his status and is feeling great day to day. Short topics this week include wine, olive oil, plant-based diets for breast cancer, Life's Essential 8, the health of babies raised in vegan families, and new data on Lipoprotein(a).  Thanks to Igennus. Use the discount code DRKAHN at igennus.com .