Episode 506: Advanced Cardiac Lab Testing With Dr. Ivan Rusilko

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.

This week, Dr. Kahn reviews several important studies presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress. The REACT trial examined how often previously undetected atherosclerosis appears in the coronary, carotid, and femoral arteries. The results are startling and reinforce the importance of the #TestNotGuess approach to cardiovascular health. Dr. Kahn also discusses encouraging research showing how plant-based diets may reduce cardiovascular disease risk.  Additional topics include: NT-proBNP testing for predicting future cardiovascular disease The connection between coronary calcium scores and dementia risk Hormone replacement therapy and dementia Dietary flavanols and Parkinson's disease Blood pressure medications that may help protect the brain Blood thinners for people with lower-risk atrial fibrillation Vitamin K2 and the progression of coronary calcification This episode is sponsored by delicious and healthy WellBean. Use discount code DrKahn15 at checkout.

This week, Dr. Kahn returns to one of his passion topics: educating young people about healthy lifestyles beginning in middle school and high school, if not earlier, and setting them up for a healthy future. A new study finds that the risk of heart disease and actual changes in the arteries are both common by age 23. It's a tragic reality. Other topics include dry cleaning and Parkinson's disease, amino acids and prostate cancer risk, meal timing and longevity, cooking classes and healthy diets (PlantRN), statins at age 80, exercise and the reversal of artery disease, lipoprotein(a) and heart disease, and alcohol versus healthy lifestyles in relation to the risk of sudden cardiac death.  Thanks to WellBean for sponsoring this episode. Use the discount code DrKahn15 on delicious and healthy food bars made with legumes. They're my favorite snack.

This week, Dr. Kahn discusses the triglyceride-to-HDL (TG/HDL) ratio and how this simple lab measurement can help predict insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, liver disease, and heart disease. It is also a marker of visceral fat and an easy, readily available way to add valuable risk information to your health journey. Dr. Kahn also discusses how genetics can influence the TG/HDL ratio. Other topics include tomatoes for the liver, tirzepatide for the heart, lifestyle for the heart, junk food and prostate cancer, belly fat and the heart, alcohol and the heart, and the power of climbing stairs. Thanks to our sponsor, WellBean. Their delicious bean-based bars make it easy to add more plant-based nutrition to your day. Visit wellbean.life and use discount code DrKahn15 to save on your order.

This week, Dr. Kahn discusses new research showing that after just 4 weeks of eating a whole-food, plant-based diet, sophisticated measures of gene activity demonstrate a reversal in aging and a reduction in inflammation. In another study, the calorie advantage of a plant-based diet is discussed, with the equation H=N/C (Health = Nutrition/Calories) proving to be a useful reminder. Finally, athletic performance in college athletes eating plant-based or omnivore diets was equivalent, which is reassuring to many. Dr. Kahn and his wife will begin their 50th year of plant-based diets in September. Other topics include more conversation on advanced glycation end products, dietary protein, finerenone for the kidneys, the top 3 modifiable risk factors for dementia and heart attacks, red hair color and heart disease, Viagra and statins for the prevention of cancer metastases, and fatty liver disease. Thanks to our sponsor, WellBean, and the discount code DrKahn15 for sponsoring this week's episode.

This week, Dr. Kahn discussed new research on advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and cooking methods. High levels of AGEs promote many disease states and can be avoided with water-based cooking methods like steaming, boiling, and pressure cooking. Other topics include visceral fat loss and brain health, bitter hops extract for weight loss, the Planetary Health Diet, fructose in the diet and cancer growth, a failed study on inflammation, and the role of multivitamins in cardiac health.  Thanks to the Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Club and the $1 offer at getfreshDrKahn.com.

This week, Dr. Kahn discusses new data from the amazing Valter Longo, PhD, and his colleagues regarding optimizing diet for both longevity and strong muscles. In a new publication, Dr. Longo used mouse models to show that animals fed a Longevity Diet, as described in his book, lived longer. However, when moderate amounts of methionine, an amino acid, were included in the diet, frailty was avoided. He then analyzed a dataset of 200,000 health professionals in the United States and found that those consuming the highest amounts of animal protein had double the risk of type 2 diabetes, as well as higher rates of obesity and hypertension, compared with those consuming more plant protein. You can learn more about Dr. Longo's L-Protein powder (with methionine) at prolonlife.com/drkahn. Other topics include PCOS and heart disease, aortic dissection, artificial sweeteners and memory loss, optimal medical treatment for high cholesterol, GLP-1 agonist use and hair loss, TMAO and the risk of atrial fibrillation, statins and better cognitive function in women, and how plant mitochondria may improve our own cellular function. Amazing.  Thanks to the Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Club. Learn more at getfreshDrKahn.com.  Dr. Kahn's new book can be found here: amazon.com/dp/B0HBGJ4J59

In this bonus episode, Dr. Kahn interviews functional medicine specialist Ivan Rusilko about the importance of advanced lab panels. Together, they explore the full spectrum of cardiac lab testing, with a special focus on inflammation, insulin resistance, and how these markers can uncover hidden cardiovascular risk. If you are a health care practitioner, set up an account at accessmedlab.com. Mention the Heart Doc VIP Podcast when creating your new practitioner account to receive 50% off CardioPro™ Advanced Diagnostic Panels, providing unparalleled insights into patient health.

This week, Dr. Kahn discusses the FDA approval of the first oral PCSK9 inhibitor, Lipfendra (enclicitide), taken as a 20 mg daily tablet. In a study of nearly 3,000 patients with elevated LDL cholesterol despite treatment with statins and, in many cases, ezetimibe, LDL-C dropped by more than 50% while Lipoprotein(a) levels fell by 28%, with an excellent safety profile. The medication is expected to retail for approximately $315 per month and will be available in pharmacies soon. A larger outcomes trial evaluating its impact on heart attack and stroke rates is currently underway. Other topics include oatmeal for diabetes, avocados for cholesterol, ketogenic diets and cancer, serotonin and heart valve disease, air pollution and cardiovascular events, and the relationship between sweetened beverages, fruit juice, and high blood pressure. Dr. Kahn also mentions the air filtration system he uses at home and in his office, available at: airdoctorpro.com Finally, thanks to this week's sponsor, the Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Club. Learn more at getfreshDrKahn.com.