Podcasts about ldl c

This week we talk about LDL, HDL, and cardiovascular issues.We also discuss one-time therapies, statins, and pharmaceutical economics.Recommended Book: Blood by Dr. Jen GunterTranscriptCholesterol is the most common type of what's called a sterol, which is a type of steroid, but also structurally technically an alcohol. But functionally, and classified by scientists, cholesterol is a lipid, which in this case is similar to a fat in all but how the body uses it. Cholesterol is the type of sterol most commonly found in animals—other types are found in plants and fungi—and its function, and this is where it varies from fats, which are used to store energy, is to basically help hold the cell membrane together, and it also serves as an intracellular messenger.Cholesterol is especially prevalent in the brain and spinal cord of animals, but it's found throughout their bodily tissues, as well, and again, it's vital for holding everything together and helping things communicate, in addition to being a precursor for vitamin D, steroid hormones, and bile.You want to have cholesterol, then, as without it you would be dead.Too much cholesterol in the blood, however, can also make you dead, especially when it's bound to what's called low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, as that contributes to cardiovascular disease like heart attacks and aneurysms, which can massively impact one's overall wellness and quality of life, and at extremes lead to the whole system shutting down as a consequence of heart attack, stroke, and the like.A lot of things can contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease, including habits like smoking, genetic predisposition, and the enthusiastic consumption of alcohol and unhealthy foods. But high blood cholesterol, of the LDL variety, is one of the top contributors, as these low-density clusters of lipoprotein can clog the pathways that blood takes throughout our bodies. Other, denser types of lipoproteins, HDLs, can clear it, like a heavier, denser substance pushing through clogs of less-dense materials that are gumming up a pipe, but LDL is at times accumulated as a result of consuming delicious but unhealthy foods, which are hard to avoid, and for some people the only consistently available and affordable foods; and for other people LDL accumulates as a result of their genetic predispositions—two things that are devilishly difficult to change.What I'd like to talk about today is a new type of therapy that may be very good news for people who struggle with the accumulation of LDL, and why this is being seen as very good news more broadly, at the scale of entire nations, as well.—Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly is testing a new, experimental drug called VERVE-102 which is a one-time infusion that is currently administered over the course of about four hours, and once completed, it turns off a gene called PCSK9, which is responsible for making a protein that regulates cholesterol levels in humans.As I said, this drug is still being tested, so these are early results. But in a study of 35 people with high cholesterol levels, high levels of LDL or LDL-C, which is short for lipoprotein cholesterol, they found that this infusion, which again, is a one-time treatment, so get it once and then theoretically at least you never have to get anything done ever again, it reduced those LDL and LDL-C levels by as much as 62%, and that reduction was maintained a year and a half after the infusion; that's how far out they're retested so far, and the hope is that each retest will continue to show the same.On the strength of those very promising results, a Phase 2 study has been planned by the end of 2026, and the US Food and Drug Administration, the FDA, previously fast-tracked this existing study, because of the promise and potential this drug already demonstrated in early studies; all of which is considered to be very significant progress and possibility.To understand that significance, though, it's useful to know some health stats. And I'm going to focus on the US here, as that's where this drug is being developed, but many wealthy countries have similar stats, at least in terms of cardiovascular disease struggles.As of 2024, which is the last year we had good, cohesive data on this in the US, it was estimated that about 11-12% of the US adult population has high cholesterol levels. This typically doesn't come with any symptoms, but it can contribute a higher risk for all those cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack and stroke. A further 86 million US adults have borderline or elevated cholesterol levels, which can easily tip higher, but also, even in that existing, elevated state, contribute to negative cardiovascular outcomes.There are treatments for high cholesterol, the most common of category of which are called statins, which reduce the production of LDL by inhibiting an enzyme that produces cholesterol in the body.Unfortunately, these drugs do come with some usually minor side effects, which can cause patients to stop using them, and they have to be taken daily, ideally at the same time each day. That necessity for consistency leads to a lot of incorrect or incomplete usage, which reduces the effectiveness of these drugs. But it's also estimated that only about 54.5% of US adults who would benefit from statins are currently taking one—so that's people who could benefit and who have it prescribed, and then within that number are all the people who are taking this drug incorrectly or incompletely, reducing the effectiveness. So a relatively small number of people who should probably be on these things are getting the full benefit they offer because of the nature of the drug.And that's not great, because in the US alone, heart disease is the leading cause of death for pretty much every adult demographic; men, women, people of most racial and ethnic and economic groups, you name it, heart disease is the biggest threat to their lives.One US citizen dies every 34 seconds of some kind of cardiovascular condition, and as of 2023, 1 in every 3 deaths in the US was caused by the same, adding up to just over 919,000 people that year.Between 2021 and 2022, alone, the cost of services and medications related to heart disease added up to more than $168 billion; again, that's just in that period, and just in the US.And once more, these are ailments that are caused or heavily influenced by high levels of cholesterol, which are themselves amplified by common lifestyle choices, environmental factors that are hard for many people to avoid, and just by raw, dumb luck because of genetics.This treatment category, then, is being seen as a pretty big deal because a one-time infusion means those who receive it don't have to remember to take a pill every day at the same time, and won't experience those statin-based side-effects.It also means that people who are currently costing the medical system a bunch of money each year, because they need treatments for all the issues they suffer as a result of high cholesterol, will suddenly cost the system a lot less money, for treatments and medications. Not for nothing, their health and quality of life will likely improve as well. So in addition to having better, healthier outcomes personally, their cost to healthcare systems will drop.Eli Lilly's drug isn't the only one currently working its way through clinical trials, either.Amgen is working on a similar treatment, and Novartis and Ionis Pharmaceuticals have drugs that are even further along in the process, their medicines that cut heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular deaths could be approved by the FDA as soon as next year.There are a lot of caveats worth noting here, including that the science is still out as to whether this approach, silencing proteins that lead to the creation of more LDL and a similar substance called Lp(a)—which is more dangerous because it's stickier and thus more likely to get stuck in important blood pathways, and it's also more likely to be caused by genetics than lifestyle—the word is still out on whether reducing these things in the body actually reduces hearth attacks and stroke.Some people have had this particular risk variable dramatically reduced, but have still suffered from cardiovascular events, which raises the question of whether this path is the right one to take in trying to reduce this category of health issues; the correlation between LDL and heart attacks and strokes might not be a clear-cut as long assumed.There's also the issue of price. Drug-makers are economically incentivized to sell treatments over cures, because that means they can continue selling their product over time, potentially for the life of the patient, and a cure, in contrast, is a one-time hit that in theory should alleviate the need for future treatment.There's a chance, then, that the drug-makers will decide they need to make these one-hit treatments really, really expensive in order to make their R&D dollars back and to make the kinds of profits their investors expect from them. That could then reduce the potential audience for these treatments, even if they are effective, and could further slow their deployment and future research in this space.If these trials continue to go well, though, there's a good chance that this combination of similar but distinct treatment types will provide a more sustainable alternative to current options, and that, like the recent bogglingly rapid and widespread deployment of GLP-1 treatments for all sorts of issues, could lead to a new paradigm in this facet of the medical world.Show Noteshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cholesterolhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiovascular_diseasehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_cholesterolhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10982736/https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.htmlhttps://www.who.int/health-topics/cardiovascular-diseases#tab=tab_1https://www.ama-assn.org/public-health/chronic-diseases/what-doctors-want-patients-know-about-high-cholesterolhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statinhttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42187087/https://abcnews.com/GMA/Wellness/new-drug-game-changer-people-high-cholesterol/story This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

In Episode 499, Dr. Joel Kahn explores the growing importance of apolipoprotein B (ApoB) testing as a powerful tool for assessing cardiovascular risk. He reviews new research highlighting why ApoB may provide a more complete picture of atherosclerosis risk than traditional cholesterol measurements alone and explains how it relates to LDL-C and Lp(a). Dr. Kahn also discusses several noteworthy studies in preventive medicine and longevity, including research linking GLP-1 medications to lower cancer risk, the potential DNA-protective effects of melatonin, and new findings on stroke and clot prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. Additional topics include the relationship between very low Lp(a) levels and diabetes risk, the benefits of organic produce for breast cancer prevention, Pilates training for blood pressure management, and the connection between processed meat consumption and gastrointestinal cancers. The episode concludes with a look at Endothelin-1 (ET-1), an important marker involved in vascular health and cardiovascular disease, along with a discussion of Vinia grape powder and its potential role in lowering ET-1 levels. Thanks to Igennus.com and their Triple Vitamin K Complex using the discount code DrKahn

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The conversation delves into the rediscovery of ApoB as a significant cardiovascular marker and its suspiciously aligned timing with pharmaceutical profit motives. It explores the comparison between ApoB and LDLC, the rise of statins, the emergence of PCSK9 inhibitors, the controversy around ApoB, the context of metabolic dysfunction, and the pharmaceutical vs. metabolic approach to ApoB. It concludes with the distinction between treating a number and treating a disease.TakeawaysApoB has become a significant cardiovascular markerThe timing of ApoB's rediscovery is suspiciously aligned with pharmaceutical profit motivesChapters00:00 Treating a Number vs. Treating a Disease

This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/AAPA/IPCE information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/WEW865. CME/AAPA/IPCE credit will be available until May 19, 2027.Leveraging Recent Evidence on PCSK9 Inhibition: Strategies to Address Clinical Challenges for Meeting LDL-C Targets In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, and The Mended Hearts, Inc. PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported through an independent educational grant from Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.

This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/AAPA/IPCE information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/WEW865. CME/AAPA/IPCE credit will be available until May 19, 2027.Leveraging Recent Evidence on PCSK9 Inhibition: Strategies to Address Clinical Challenges for Meeting LDL-C Targets In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, and The Mended Hearts, Inc. PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported through an independent educational grant from Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.

This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/AAPA/IPCE information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/WEW865. CME/AAPA/IPCE credit will be available until May 19, 2027.Leveraging Recent Evidence on PCSK9 Inhibition: Strategies to Address Clinical Challenges for Meeting LDL-C Targets In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, and The Mended Hearts, Inc. PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported through an independent educational grant from Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.

This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/AAPA/IPCE information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/WEW865. CME/AAPA/IPCE credit will be available until May 19, 2027.Leveraging Recent Evidence on PCSK9 Inhibition: Strategies to Address Clinical Challenges for Meeting LDL-C Targets In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, and The Mended Hearts, Inc. PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported through an independent educational grant from Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.

This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/AAPA/IPCE information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/WEW865. CME/AAPA/IPCE credit will be available until May 19, 2027.Leveraging Recent Evidence on PCSK9 Inhibition: Strategies to Address Clinical Challenges for Meeting LDL-C Targets In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, and The Mended Hearts, Inc. PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported through an independent educational grant from Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.

This content has been developed for healthcare professionals only. Patients who seek health information should consult with their physician or relevant patient advocacy groups.For the full presentation, downloadable Practice Aids, slides, and complete CME/AAPA/IPCE information, and to apply for credit, please visit us at PeerView.com/WEW865. CME/AAPA/IPCE credit will be available until May 19, 2027.Leveraging Recent Evidence on PCSK9 Inhibition: Strategies to Address Clinical Challenges for Meeting LDL-C Targets In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, and The Mended Hearts, Inc. PVI, PeerView Institute for Medical Education, is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.SupportThis activity is supported through an independent educational grant from Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA.Disclosure information is available at the beginning of the video presentation.

Updated cholesterol guidelines introduce important changes in cardiovascular risk assessment and lipid management that directly impact pharmacist practice. This course reviews key updates from the new ACC/AHA dyslipidemia guideline, including risk assessment tools, LDL-C targets, and evolving roles for statin and nonstatin therapies. You will be better prepared to identify practice-relevant recommendations and support evidence-based lipid management in patient care.HOSTRachel Maynard, PharmDGameChangers Podcast Host and Clinical Editor, CEimpactLead Editor, PyrlsJanelle Ruisinger, PharmD, FAPhAAssociate Dean for Academic Affairs and Clinical ProfessorThe University of Kansas School of PharmacyPharmacists, REDEEM YOUR CPE HERE!CPE is available to Health Mart franchise members onlyTo learn more about Health Mart, click here: https://join.healthmart.com/PRACTICE RESOURCEReceive the exclusive Practice Resource to use as a reference guide for this episode by enrolling in the course. Click here to enroll!CPE INFORMATIONLearning ObjectivesUpon successful completion of this knowledge-based activity, participants should be able to:1. Describe key pharmacist-relevant updates in the new ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Dyslipidemia.2. Differentiate risk assessment and lipid-lowering treatment considerations that may influence pharmacist recommendations under the updated guideline.Rachel Maynard and Janelle Ruisinger have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.0.75 CEU/0.75 HrUAN: 0107-0000-26-156-H01-PInitial release date: 5/4/2026Expiration date: 5/4/2027Additional CPE details can be found here.

Updated cholesterol guidelines introduce important changes in cardiovascular risk assessment and lipid management that directly impact pharmacist practice. This course reviews key updates from the new ACC/AHA dyslipidemia guideline, including risk assessment tools, LDL-C targets, and evolving roles for statin and nonstatin therapies. You will be better prepared to identify practice-relevant recommendations and support evidence-based lipid management in patient care.HOSTRachel Maynard, PharmDGameChangers Podcast Host and Clinical Editor, CEimpactLead Editor, PyrlsJanelle Ruisinger, PharmD, FAPhAAssociate Dean for Academic Affairs and Clinical ProfessorThe University of Kansas School of PharmacyGET CE FOR LISTENING!Stay Compliant. Grow Clinically. Practice with Confidence. Pharmacist CE Subscription: All your CE in one convenient subscription. All episodes, CE, and Practice Resources for the GameChangers Clinical Update is included with your Pharmacist CE Subscription. But wait…there's even more!The Pharmacist CE Subscription includes: -  Compliance and licensure CE -  GameChangers Clinical Updates -  Practical continuing education across patient care topics *The subscription does not include microcredentials or certificates, which are available separately for pharmacists seeking specialized service training. Purchase Now!PRACTICE RESOURCEReceive the exclusive Practice Resource to use as a reference guide for this episode by purchasing the Pharmacist CE Subscription. CPE REDEMPTIONThis course is accredited for continuing pharmacy education! Click the link below that applies to you to take the exam and evaluation to claim credit:If you are already enrolled in this course, click here to redeem your credit. To purchase the Pharmacist CE Subscription and claim your CPE credit, click here or to purchase this course individually, click here.  CPE INFORMATIONLearning ObjectivesUpon successful completion of this knowledge-based activity, participants should be able to:1. Describe key pharmacist-relevant updates in the new ACC/AHA Guideline for the Management of Dyslipidemia.2. Differentiate risk assessment and lipid-lowering treatment considerations that may influence pharmacist recommendations under the updated guideline.Rachel Maynard and Janelle Ruisinger have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.0.75 CEU/0.75 HrUAN: 0107-0000-26-156-H01-PInitial release date: 5/4/2026Expiration date: 5/4/2027Additional CPE details can be found here.Follow CEimpact on Social Media:LinkedInInstagram

Today, we're diving into a topic that should be getting far more attention: Cardiovascular disease in women. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in women—yet it's often under-addressed, oversimplified, and misunderstood in clinical practice. Most women are told: “Eat better. Take this prescription.” But that approach misses something critical. Full citation list:    •    Hall, Kevin D., et al. “Ultra-Processed Diets Cause Excess Calorie Intake and Weight Gain: An Inpatient Randomized Controlled Trial of Ad Libitum Food Intake.” Cell Metabolism, vol. 30, no. 1, 2019, pp. 67–77.e3. Supports the core causal point that ultra-processed foods drive higher intake and weight gain even under controlled feeding conditions; this is not a women-specific lipid paper, but it is the cleanest experimental anchor for why UPFs create a high-throughput metabolic environment.     •    El Khoudary, Samar R., et al. “Menopause Transition and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Implications for Timing of Early Prevention: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.” Circulation, vol. 142, no. 25, 2020, pp. e506–e532. Supports the midlife women's frame: across the menopause transition, LDL-C and ApoB rise, metabolic risk shifts, and cardiovascular prevention needs to become more deliberate during this window. This supports the “why I care about lipids in endocrine care” part of the episode.     •    Derby, Carol A., et al. “Lipid Changes During the Menopause Transition in Relation to Age and Weight: The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation.” American Journal of Epidemiology, vol. 169, no. 11, 2009, pp. 1352–61. Foundational SWAN paper establishing that the menopause transition itself — not just chronological aging — is associated with adverse lipid shifts in midlife women. This is the original observation that the timing argument rests on.     •    Wu, Bingjie, et al. “Trajectories of Blood Lipids Profile in Midlife Women: Does Menopause Matter?” Journal of the American Heart Association, vol. 12, no. 22, 2023, e030388. Supports the claim that LDL-C, total cholesterol, and ApoB follow distinct trajectory patterns through the menopause transition, with subgroups of women showing rising lipids in the years before the final menstrual period — useful for the timing argument that body and symptom changes can precede the obvious lab story.     •    Matthews, Karen A., et al. “Age at Menopause in Relationship to Lipid Changes and Subclinical Carotid Disease Across 20 Years: Study of Women's Health Across the Nation.” Journal of the American Heart Association, vol. 10, no. 18, 2021, e021362. Supports the point that ApoB and Apo A1 changes cluster around the final menstrual period and that adverse lipid shifts in the early postmenopausal years track with subclinical carotid disease later — connects menopausal timing to the longer cardiovascular arc rather than a one-time lab blip.     •    De Oliveira-Gomes, Diana, et al. “Apolipoprotein B: Bridging the Gap Between Evidence and Clinical Practice.” Circulation, vol. 150, no. 1, 2024, pp. 62–79. Supports the practical ApoB explanation: ApoB reflects atherogenic particle burden and outperforms LDL-C for ASCVD risk prediction in many settings, but adoption lags because clear apoB targets and triggers are still lacking in mainstream guidelines. Good support for the public-service “what the hell is ApoB anyway?” section.     •    Williamson, Laura. “The Slowly Evolving Truth About Heart Disease and Women.” American Heart Association News, 9 Feb. 2024, heart.org/en/news/2024/02/09/the-slowly-evolving-truth-about-heart-disease-and-women. Supports the broader clinical framing that women remain underrecognized or undertreated in cardiovascular care and that women's heart disease still needs better public and clinical communication. This is more public-facing than mechanistic, but useful for your opening frame. Dr. Brendan McCarthy is the founder and Chief Medical Officer of Protea Medical Center in Arizona. With over two decades of experience, he's helped thousands of patients navigate hormonal imbalances using bioidentical HRT, nutrition, and root-cause medicine. He's also taught and mentored other physicians on integrative approaches to hormone therapy, weight loss, fertility, and more. If you're ready to take your health seriously, this podcast is a great place to start.

Exploramos as principais atualizações do guideline da AHA/ACC 2026, destacando a substituição do escore PCE pelas equações PREVENT™ e o retorno das metas absolutas de LDL-C. Você entenderá como as novas estratégias de estratificação de risco e o uso da Lp(a) impactam diretamente a conduta clínica e o tratamento precoce.Endocrinologia descomplicada para médicos e residentes. Aqui você encontra conteúdos sobre atualização médica, casos clínicos e preparação para provas de título.

Seu paciente tem LDL alto, risco cardiovascular elevado e não tolera estatina. O que você prescreve?Neste episódio do DozeCast, o Mateus Prata e a Raquel Rios fazem uma imersão completa no ácido bempedoico: da farmacologia molecular ao maior ensaio clínico já desenhado exclusivamente para intolerantes a estatinas. Se você ainda não incorporou essa droga na sua prática, esse é o episódio que vai mudar isso.O que você vai aprender nesse episódio:

Three imaging-guided PCI trials (two with surprising results), LDL targets, an oral PCSK9 inhibitor, and another beta-blocker withdrawal trial are the topics John Mandrola, MD, discusses in this week's podcast. This podcast is intended for healthcare professionals only. To read a partial transcript or to comment, visit: https://www.medscape.com/twic I IVUS-Guided PCI OPTIMAL Trial https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2600440 IVUS-CHIP Trial https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2601521 ILUMIEN IV Trial https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2305861 DKCRUSH VIII Trial https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2026.01.081 II Ez-PAVE Trial — Low vs Very Low LDL-targets Does Ez-PAVE Support 'Lower Is Better' for LDL-C? https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/does-ez-pave-support-lower-better-ldl-c-2026a1000akx Ez-PAVE Trial https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2600283 2026 ACC/AHA Lipid Guidelines https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001423 III CORALreef AddOn CORALreef AddOn Trial https://www.jacc.org/doi/abs/10.1016/j.jacc.2026.03.036 This Week in Caardiology 2-6-26 https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/1003240 CORALreef Lipids Trial https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2511002 IV Another Post-MI Beta-blocker Withdrawal Study: SMART-DECISION SMART-DECISION Trial https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2601005 ABYSS Trial https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2404204 You may also like: The Bob Harrington Show with the Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean of Weill Cornell Medicine, Robert A. Harrington, MD. https://www.medscape.com/author/bob-harrington Questions or feedback, please contact news@medscape.net

Episode 218: Statin Therapy Fundamentals What are statins? Zohal: Statins are medications that lower cholesterol by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which prevents cholesterol synthesis in the liver. By doing so, statins decrease low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).  Why should we lower LDL? Zohal: There are four main lipoproteins that transport fats in blood, including chylomicrons, VLDL, LDL, and HDL. This is where we get our “bad cholesterol” vs. “good cholesterol”. Of these, LDL is most associated with an increased risk in cardiovascular disease, while a higher HDL is associated with lower risk. Thus, reducing LDL subsequently reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.  Arreaza: The lowest LDL I've seen was 25, and the highest HDL was 60. HDL doesn't really have a strict upper limit, but most people fall between 40 and 60. Extremely high HDL—above 100—may not always be protective and can sometimes signal underlying issues. Zohal: My HDL is 70! Statins are used for both primary prevention, meaning preventing cardiovascular disease before it occurs, and secondary prevention, meaning preventing disease progression in patients who already have cardiovascular disease. History of statins. Zohal: In the early 1900's, researchers were studying the association between cholesterol and atherosclerosis, and at that time, they primarily used animal subjects. These studies were initially not taken seriously, because most believed cardiovascular disease in humans were simply due to aging and was not preventable.  It wasn't until the middle of the century when researchers began observing that increased levels of LDL and decreased HDL was correlated with an increased rate of heart attacks. This finding prompted interest in determining the pathway of cholesterol synthesis in the human body.  Statins were first discovered in the 1970s when researchers identified compounds that inhibit a critical step in cholesterol synthesis. The first statin approved for clinical use was Lovastatin in 1987. Since then, multiple statins have been developed, including Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin, Simvastatin, and Pravastatin. Further clinical trials in the 1990s and 2000s showed that statins significantly reduce myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality. Why do Statins Matter in Primary Prevention Zohal: Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death worldwide. As previously mentioned, elevated LDL cholesterol contributes to the development of atherosclerotic plaques within arteries, which can lead to heart attack and stroke. By lowering LDL cholesterol and stabilizing plaque formation, statins implemented in a timely manner significantly reduce the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Arreaza: One of the things I love most about primary care is prevention. You're working upstream, often quietly, humbly, helping people avoid disease before it starts. And the truth is—you rarely see the full impact of your actions. You don't get a notification that says, “this patient didn't have a heart attack because of you.” But every time you help someone control their blood pressure, quit smoking, improve their diet, or stay consistent with their medications, you're shifting their tracks. You're reducing risk in ways that may never be fully visible. That's the paradox and the beauty of it: in primary care, your highest victories are often events that never happen.  Who Should Receive Statins for Primary Prevention? Zohal: Recommendations slightly differ depending on who you ask. We look to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, the American College of Cardiology, and the American Heart Association for their recommendations regarding statins for primary prevention. USPSTF on statins. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (or USPSTF for short) is an organization that works to improve the health of people nationwide by making evidence-based recommendations on effective ways to prevent disease & prolong life. They recommend statins for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in: Adults 40–75 years old With one or more cardiovascular risk factors such as dyslipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, or smoking AND a 10-year cardiovascular risk of 10% or greater Their recommendations are graded A, B, C, D, and I, depending on the strength of evidence and this is a Grade B recommendation. Arreaza: So, you have to meet all the criteria to receive a statin, according to USPSTF: 40-75, one CV risk factor and a high 10-y ASCVD score, by the way, the ASCVD risk calculator was introduced in 2013 by AHA/ACC. It is available online for free and many EHRs have integrated this tool into their software. For example, if you use EPIC, you can type .ascvd and get a score automatically. What about patients with a cardiovascular risk less than 10%? Zohal: For patients with a 7.5–10% risk, some may offer statin therapy on a case-by-case basis as this is a Grade C recommendation. But I'll get more into this later. Even without trying, every night you go to bed a little wiser. Thanks for listening to Rio Bravo qWeek Podcast. We want to hear from you, send us an email at RioBravoqWeek@clinicasierravista.org, or visit our website riobravofmrp.org/qweek. See you next week!  _____________________ References: Grundy SM, et.al, Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2019 Jun 18;139(25):e1082-e1143. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000625. Epub 2018 Nov 10. Erratum in: Circulation. 2019 Jun 18;139(25):e1182-e1186. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000698. Erratum in: Circulation. 2023 Aug 15;148(7):e5. doi: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000001172. PMID: 30586774; PMCID: PMC7403606. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30586774/ U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2022, August 23). Statin use for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in adults: Preventive medication.https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/statin-use-in-adults-preventive-medicatio American College of Cardiology ASCVD Risk Estimator: https://tools.acc.org/ascvd-risk-estimator-plus/#!/calculate/estimate/ Guideline Central. (2026, March). ACC/AHA dyslipidemia guideline spotlight (March 2026).https://www.guidelinecentral.com/insights/mar-2026-accaha-dyslipidemia-guideline-spotlight/ Endo A. A historical perspective on the discovery of statins. Proc Jpn Acad Ser B Phys Biol Sci. 2010;86(5):484-93. doi: 10.2183/pjab.86.484. PMID: 20467214; PMCID: PMC3108295. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20467214/ Theme song, Works All The Time by Dominik Schwarzer, YouTube ID: CUBDNERZU8HXUHBS, purchased from https://www.premiumbeat.com/.

Evolocumab steps into primary prevention—quietly, convincingly. In JAMA, the VESALIUS-CV analysis shows that high-risk patients with diabetes without known atherosclerosis experienced a 31% relative reduction in first MACE (HR 0.69), with LDL-C lowered to ~52 mg/dL. The signal is clear: earlier, deeper lipid lowering matters. Yet questions remain—cost, long-term safety, and who benefits most. Are we ready to treat risk before disease declares itself?

If you followed along with managing editor Jack O'Brien's live blog from SXSW last week, you'll know that he spoke with a number of key medical marketing leaders on the ground in Austin. Those takeouts, including insights from Amgen, Marina Maher Communications and Compass Pathways, will be featured in next week's podcast. For this week's pod, we have an important conversation further tying in pharma brands to the world of sports.  We're joined by Pro Football Hall of Famer Barry Sanders, who serves as a spokesperson for Amgen in its campaign raising awareness about cardiovascular disease, namely LDL, or “bad” cholesterol. Sanders, who suffered a heart attack in 2024, has partnered with the pharma giant to use his stature as the greatest living running back to raise awareness around LDL-C testing. He has starred in The Making of a Heart Attack documentary sponsored by Amgen and also participated in a panel discussion about the issue at SXSW. And for our Trends segment, you'll hear from Jameson Fleming, Steve Madden, Lecia Bushak with a preview of the 2026 MM+M Transform conference scheduled for next Tuesday, March 31 in downtown Manhattan.   Check us out at: mmm-online.com Follow us: YouTube: @MMM-onlineTikTok: @MMMnewsInstagram: @MMMnewsonlineTwitter/X: @MMMnewsLinkedIn: MM+M To read more of the most timely, balanced and original reporting in medical marketing, subscribe here.Music: “Deep Reflection” by DP and Triple Scoop Music. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lipids remain central to cardiovascular prevention. The 2026 ACC/AHA Dyslipidemia Guideline introduces several important shifts:   • PREVENT equations replace older ASCVD risk calculators • Lipoprotein(a) measurement recommended at least once in all adults • ApoB helps identify residual lipoprotein risk • Coronary artery calcium scoring refines treatment decisions • LDL-C targets return, with

High cholesterol is one of the most widely discussed—and established—risk factors in medicine. But reams of research now show that while it is key to cardiovascular risk, it is not the whole story.In this episode of A Whole New Level, editorial director Mike Haney sits down with Dr. Ronald Krauss, one of the world's leading lipid researchers and a pioneer in understanding how different forms of LDL—and the physiological factors around them—affect cardiovascular risk.Dr. Krauss explains why the basic link between cholesterol and heart disease is well established among experts—but also why the standard cholesterol panel often misses the deeper metabolic story. Drawing on decades of research, he walks through how lipoproteins, particle size, triglycerides, and metabolic health interact to determine whether cholesterol actually becomes dangerous.Along the way, the conversation explores why cardiovascular disease remains the leading killer despite statins and decades of research—and how factors like obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammation reshape the lipid landscape in ways that traditional tests may not capture.The result is a clearer framework for understanding cardiovascular risk: not just how much cholesterol is in the blood, but how it's being transported, how long those particles circulate, and what metabolic conditions are driving them.Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: ⁠⁠⁠https://levels.link/wnl⁠⁠In this episode, we coverWhy the cholesterol–heart disease link isn't actually controversial among researchersCholesterol vs. lipoproteins: why the particles carrying cholesterol matter more than the number itselfSmall dense LDL: how triglyceride metabolism produces the most harmful particlesApoB and particle counts: why many researchers prefer measuring particles instead of cholesterol massLipoprotein(a): the genetically driven risk factor affecting up to a third of the populationMetabolic syndrome: the cluster of conditions that amplifies cardiovascular riskWhy carbohydrates and metabolic dysfunction can drive harmful lipid patternsThe saturated fat debate: why food context and metabolic health matter more than simple fat categories

Event Objectives:Review lipid screening and updates to the CLASP referral guidelinesCase based review of management of common pediatric lipid disorders- isolated elevation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), combined dyslipidemia, and hypertriglyceridemia.Claim CME Credit Here!

What can we be doing to reduce LDL-C to decrease the risk for cardiovascular disease, particularly in our patients with diabetes? Learn from Margo B. Minissian, PhD, RN, ACNP-BC, NEA-BC, FAAN about the role of high blood sugar in cardiovascular disease, effective strategies for lowering LDL-C, and the importance of early treatment.Related Resources:PCNA Lipid Resources for Providers and PatientsPCNA Diabetes Resources for Providers and Patients2018 AHA/ACC Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol2019 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular DiseaseIVUS Regression Trials: REVERSAL (2004), ASTEROID (2006); SATURN (2011); GLAGOV (2016); PRECISE-IVUS(2015); JAPAN-ACS (2009)COURAGE trialVESALIUS-CV trialPleiotropic effects of statinsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Earlier ASCVD risk reduction is better--particularly for patients with diabetes. Guest Lisa Maher, DNP, ARNP, FNP-BC, FPCNA, discusses the importance of reviewing family history, and shares strategies for decision-making in primary and secondary risk reduction strategies asuch as lowering LDL-C, blood glucose, hypertension, smoking, and other factors.Related Resources: PCNA Lipid resources for providers and patientsPCNA Diabetes resources for providers and patients2019 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular DiseasePREVENT Risk CalculatorSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Review the latest clinical guidelines on LDL-C reduction, especially for your patients with diabetes. Guest Susan Halli Demeter, DNP, CNP, NP, also reflects on how engaging patients in shared decision-making aids in treatment adherence and identifies potential barriers to address, including polypharmacy, access, and other issues.References and Related Resources:PCNA Lipid resources for providers and patientsPCNA Diabetes resources for providers and patientsCARDS trialIMPROVE-IT trialFOURIER trialODYSSEY trialVESALIUS-CV trialSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I was shocked at the comments on this post. Many people, some of them I know to be smart, thought I was nuts for suggesting two middle-aged women who had isolated high LDL-C needn't take meds because their calculated 10-year risk was less than 3% What shocked me is that our guidelines suggest treatment with statins when 10-year risk is ≥ 7.5%. You may not know this but clinicians are supposed to consider cholesterol (and BP) based on overall risk, which include things like age, blood pressure, smoking status as well as HDL. Here is a link to the PCE. It drives me bananas that clinicians don't go over this with patients. They just look at LDL-c in isolation. Content like this comes free of industry support. Please consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Experts chose this a 7.5% threshold because they felt it was the point where the absolute risk reduction from statins (about 20-25% relative risk reduction) for nonfatal cardiac events outweighed any potential downsides of statins. It is an arbitrary threshold. The thinking: We know from many RCTs that statins reduce future risk by about 20-25% over 5 years. So .25 x the estimated risk outputs the absolute risk reduction. Let's say a person has a calculated risk of 10%. They can expect a 2.5% risk reduction (.25 x 10% = 2.5%) over 10 years. But .25 x 3% = .75, so a person with an estimated risk of 3% who takes a daily pill for 10 years goes to 2.25%. That's not much. Here are some pics of the pushback I recieved:My colleagues rightly point out that atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries is a slow process and longer exposure to lower LDL-c is beneficial. They feel that the 10-year horizon is too short. They cite something called Mendelian randomization studies which find that people who were born with genetic profiles that cause low cholesterol also have low rates of heart attacks. I wrote a post about this. I actually think that statins and blood pressure drugs may have greater effects in younger people who are at lower risk. But come on. Both individuals who I helped calculate risk were below 3%. That's too low to worry about. Further, if you think we treat people with elevated LDL levels who have this low of a risk, why do we need risk calculators? Or…why don't we just treat everyone above a certain age, since age is the largest driver in the calculators? These are issues I spoke with Drs Foy and Murthy about. I learned a ton. I hope you will too. Topics include:* The value of risk calculators* The uncertainty of prediction* The best time window to consider (statin trials were for 5 years; can we assume effect sizes over 5 years are similar at 30 years?) * The causal role of LDL-c vs “metabolic health”* The value of coronary artery calcium testing * Lipoprotein (a) Academic people like to make fun of podcasts, but I can't imagine a more educational 40 minutes. Andrew and Venk are two of the most thoughtful people in cardiology today. Enjoy and consider supporting Sensible Medicine This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sensible-med.com/subscribe

Drs Harrington and Gibson's annual review of cardiovascular medicine: ACS guidelines, antiplatelet management, GLP-1s, and ever lower LDL-C with drugs or even gene editing are among the highlights. This podcast is intended for healthcare professionals only. To read a transcript or to comment, visit https://www.medscape.com/author/bob-harrington New ACS Guidelines 2025 ACC/AHA/ACEP/NAEMSP/SCAI Guideline for the Management of Patients With Acute Coronary Syndromes https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001309 ACS Guideline Chair and Vice-Chair Discussion https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/acs-guidelines-2025-key-points-chair-and-vice-chair-2025a100093l Antiplatelet/Antithrombotic Strategies Prasugrel Beats Ticagrelor in High-Risk Patients With Diabetes After PCI https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/prasugrel-beats-ticagrelor-high-risk-patients-diabetes-after-2025a1000wbt Early Withdrawal of Aspirin after PCI in Acute Coronary Syndromes (NEO-MINDSET) https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2507980 Aspirin in Patients with Chronic Coronary Syndrome Receiving Oral Anticoagulation (AQUATIC) https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2507532 Bayesian Machine Learning Model Guiding Iterative, Personalized Anticoagulant Dosing Decision-Making : ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 Trial Analysis https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacadv.2025.102504 Factor XI Inhibitors Bristol Myers, J&J Stop Blood Clotting Drug Trial After Interim Review https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/bristol-myers-j-j-stop-blood-clotting-drug-trial-after-2025a1000vqu Bayer's Asundexian Met Primary Efficacy and Safety Endpoints in Landmark Phase III OCEANIC-STROKE Study in Secondary Stroke Prevention https://www.bayer.com/en/us/news-stories/oceanic-stroke OAC-Naive Subgroup From OCEANIC-AF Published https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/novel-blood-thinner-shows-promise-atrial-fibrillation-2025a10008lz GLP-1 and Myotrophic Drugs Lilly's Next-gen Drug Shows Greater Weight Loss Than Zepbound in Late-stage Trial (TRIUMPH-4) https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/lillys-next-gen-drug-tops-zepbound-weight-loss-late-stage-2025a1000ys1 Amylin Analog Eloralintide Reduces Weight in Phase 2 Trial https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/amylin-analog-eloralintide-reduces-weight-phase-2-trial-2025a1000uqf CRISPR and Lipid Lowering Patient-Specific In Vivo Gene Editing to Treat a Rare Genetic Disease https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2504747 Gene Therapy Shows Lipid Improvement but Raises Flags https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/gene-therapy-shows-lipid-improvement-raises-flags-2025a1000uzw Phase 1 Trial of CRISPR-Cas9 Gene Editing Targeting ANGPTL3 https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2511778 Evolocumab in Patients without a Previous Myocardial Infarction or Stroke (VESALIUS-CV) https://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMoa2514428 Prehospital GLP IIb/IIIa Zalunfiban at First Medical Contact for ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (CELEBRATE) https://evidence.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/EVIDoa2500268 You may also like: Hear John Mandrola, MD's summary and perspective on the top cardiology news each week, on This Week in Cardiology https://www.medscape.com/twic Questions or feedback, please contact news@medscape.net

CME credits: 0.25 Valid until: 30-12-2026 Claim your CME credit at https://reachmd.com/programs/cme/earlier-action-lasting-impact-closing-the-ldl-c-gap-in-patients-without-a-prior-mace/39957/ This program explores evolving strategies for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) management in patients at high cardiovascular (CV) risk who have not yet experienced a myocardial infarction or stroke. Drs. Bohula and Leiter discuss unmet needs, shifting LDL-C targets, and emerging treatment strategies, including PCSK9 inhibitors and results from the VESALIUS-CV trial. The conversation highlights how early, intensive LDL reduction can meaningfully lower the risk of first CV events. Practical guidance is shared on risk assessment, statin optimization, evaluating and managing statin intolerance, and the use of combination lipid-lowering therapy.=

In this podcast, experts in the field review current recommendations for cardiovascular risk assessment and the importance of early and sustained LDL-C lowering in high-risk patients.   To claim CE credit after listening to this episode, go to this link and check the "Already listened on another platform?" box: 

Preventing the first ASCVD is critically important. In this activity, we explore the evidence for early and intensive lipid lowering to significantly reduce patient's cardiovascular (CV) risk. Credit available for this activity expires: 12/05/26 Earn Credit / Learning Objectives & Disclosures: https://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/staying-ahead-first-event-evaluating-evidence-early-ldl-c-2025a1000xkj?ecd=bdc_podcast_libsyn_mscpedu

A long-term Framingham Heart Study analysis shows that regular physical activity beginning in midlife and continuing into older age significantly lowers the risk of dementia, including Alzheimer disease, with the most active individuals experiencing roughly 40–45% risk reduction. A phase 3 trial of the first oral PCSK9 inhibitor, enlicitide, demonstrated substantial LDL-C and apoB reductions in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia already on statins, offering a well-tolerated oral option that helps most patients reach guideline targets. Finally, a large U.S. cohort study revealed persistent under-treatment of chronic hepatitis B—especially among women and non-Asian racial groups—highlighting the need for standardized assessment and timely antiviral therapy to close these gaps.

Cardiovascular Diet Myths   Guest: Stephen Kopecky, M.D. Host: Sharonne Hayes, M.D.   Since 2018, Trans-Fats are prohibited from being a food additive in the US. In this episode of “Interviews With the Experts,” Dr. Stephen Kopecky discussed how trans fats are still in our food, just not as much as pre-2018, and the main sources of trans fat are ultra-processed foods. Listeners will learn what foods scan raise your blood cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, increase heart attack risk, accelerate the aging process, and slow the aging process.   Topics Discussed: Are some trans-fats still sneaking into our food? If a person eats food high in cholesterol, can blood levels of cholesterol (LDL-C) go up? Which artificial sweeteners increase CV risk? Can diet actually speed up or slow down the aging process?    Connect with Mayo Clinic's Cardiovascular Continuing Medical Education online at https://cveducation.mayo.edu or on Twitter @MayoClinicCV and @MayoCVservices. LinkedIn: Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular Services Cardiovascular Education App: The Mayo Clinic Cardiovascular CME App is an innovative educational platform that features cardiology-focused continuing medical education wherever and whenever you need it. Use this app to access other free content and browse upcoming courses. Download it for free in Apple or Google stores today! No CME credit offered for this episode.   Podcast episode transcript found here.

Send us a textGood morning from Pharma Daily: the podcast that brings you the most important developments in the pharmaceutical and biotech world. In today's rapidly evolving landscape, we witness significant strides shaping the future of drug development, patient care, and global market dynamics.Merck & Co. has made a notable advancement in cholesterol management with a PCSK9-targeted pill. This pill has achieved reductions in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) comparable to existing injectable therapies. Such innovation represents a significant step forward by potentially offering a more convenient oral alternative for patients. The development underscores the industry's ongoing efforts to enhance patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes through novel drug delivery mechanisms.In a strategic corporate move, Pfizer has successfully acquired Metsera, an obesity biotech company, for a substantial $10 billion. This acquisition, which followed an intense bidding war with Novo Nordisk, exemplifies Pfizer's aggressive expansion in the obesity treatment market—a growing global health challenge. The strategic buyout positions Pfizer to leverage Metsera's expertise, potentially accelerating the development and commercialization of innovative obesity treatments.Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk is enhancing its presence in India by partnering with Emcure Pharmaceuticals to expand access to Wegovy, its weight-loss treatment. This collaboration is particularly significant given India's escalating obesity rates and highlights the importance of regional partnerships in enhancing drug accessibility and addressing public health issues.Regulatory developments continue to influence industry dynamics as well. The FDA has postponed its decision on expanding Rhythm Pharmaceuticals' Imcivree for additional indications. These regulatory delays highlight the complexities and unpredictabilities inherent in drug approval processes, underscoring the need for companies to strategically navigate these challenges.Regeneron and AstraZeneca have reported clinical trial successes with their respective anti-inflammatory drugs, Dupixent and Fasenra. These positive outcomes were showcased at the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology's annual meeting, bolstering the companies' aspirations for FDA approvals. Successful clinical outcomes not only pave the way for expanded therapeutic options but also demonstrate the industry's commitment to addressing complex inflammatory conditions.October has seen a surge in TV advertising spending, led by Johnson & Johnson's campaign for Tremfya. The campaign highlights the power of patient community engagement in bringing attention to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), emphasizing how patient advocacy can reduce isolation among sufferers.In oncology, Cogent Biosciences is on track for an FDA submission following successful phase 3 trials of its cancer asset bezuclastinib. This development illustrates the critical role of rigorous clinical research in advancing oncology treatments and potentially improving patient outcomes.Turning our attention to technological frontiers within pharmaceutical R&D, Eli Lilly has been particularly active in cementing its commitment to artificial intelligence (AI) and gene therapy through several strategic collaborations. The company has entered into a $100 million-plus research agreement with Insilico Medicine to leverage AI for drug discovery. This partnership aims to expedite the identification of novel therapeutic targets and enhance drug development efficiency—a reflection of a broader industry trend towards integrating AI into pharmaceutical processes.Additionally, Lilly has made a notable move in gene therapy by acquiring rights from MeiraGTx for a retinal disease therapy that has shown Support the show

Understanding the pathophysiology of elevated Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, or LDL-C, and how it impacts the development of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) is important for healthcare professionals. In this vodcast, experts provide valuable insights into the factors influencing elevated LDL-C and how to address common patient concerns, including misinformation about cholesterol. Practical and evidence-based, this episode is essential for optimizing cardiovascular care. Claim CE and MOC credits: https://bit.ly/3IB4pc8

Darshan H. Brahmbhatt, Podcast Editor of JACC: Advances, discusses a recently published original research paper on Impact of a Meds-to-Beds PCSK9i Initiation Program on LDL-C in Patients Undergoing ASCVD Revascularization.

Cardiovascular expert Colleen Walsh-Irwin returns to NP Pulse for an in-depth look at hyperlipidemia and the importance of controlling LDL-C levels. Walsh-Irwin also walks us through lipid panels, risk scoring and the many tools NPs have at their disposal to keep patients healthy and informed.  This podcast is made possible by Amgen.

This episode's guests:Steve Mariconda, MPH.Frank Turina, Educator / National Park Service / Night Sky Resource Center.Bill's News Picks:Natural experiments from Earth Hour reveal urban night sky being drastically lit up by few decorative buildings, Scientific Reports.Night lights versus conservation dreams: balancing human preferences with conservation goals in protected areas for sustainable nature-based noctourism, Journal of Sustainable Tourism.Noise pollution and artificial light at night alter selection pressures on sexual signals in an urban adapter, Journal of Evolutionary Biology.Association between outdoor artificial light at night, circadian health, and LDL-C in intracranial artery atherosclerotic stenosis, Clinical Epigenetics.On the Use of Lights as Night Navigation Aids During Antiquity, International Journal of Nautical Archaeology.Subscribe:Apple PodcastSpotifyYoutubeTag Us and Share with a Friend:InstagramLinkedInTikTokFacebookConnect:Bill@LightPollutionNews.comJoin our Mailing ListSend Feedback Text to the Show!Support the showA hearty thank you to all of our paid supporters out there. You make this show possible. For only the cost of one coffee each month you can help us to continue to grow. That's $3 a month. If you like what we're doing, if you think this adds value in any way, why not say thank you by becoming a supporter! Why Support Light Pollution News? Receive quarterly invite to join as live audience member for recordings with special Q&A session post recording with guests. Receive all of the news for that month via a special Supporter monthly mailer. Satisfaction that your support helps further critical discourse on this topic. About Light Pollution News: The path to sustainable starry night solutions begin with being a more informed you. Light Pollution, once thought to be solely detrimental to astronomers, has proven to be an impactful issue across many disciplines of society including ecology, crime, technology, health, and much more! But not all is lost! There are simple solutions that provide for big impacts. Each month, Bill McGeeney, is joined by upwards of three guests to help you grow your awareness and understanding of both the challenges and the road to recovering our disappearing nighttime ecosystem.

CAC 0 takes a gut punch, ICD therapies cannot be surrogates for benefit, and two important trials from ESC are the topics John Mandrola, MD, discusses in this week's podcast. This podcast is intended for healthcare professionals only. To read a partial transcript or to comment, visit: https://www.medscape.com/twic I CAC 0 LDL-C and CVD Risk With CAC Score 0 https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/advance-article/doi/10.1093/eurheartj/ehaf497/8228645 II ICD Therapies Contemporary ICD Benefit https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacep.2025.06.028 PROFID Trial https://profid-project.eu/profid-ehra-trial/ MADIT-RIT Trial https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1211107 Declining Risk of Sudden Death in HF https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1609758 III Digit-HF DIGIT-HF Trial https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2415471 Digoxin–Mortality: Comparison in the DIG trial https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/40/40/3336/5520008 IV POTCAST POTCAST trial https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2509542 ESC Preview IV HTN Guidelines New Blood Pressure Guidelines: 4 Things I Like and 2 Concerns  https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/new-blood-pressure-guidelines-4-thing-i-and-2-concerns-2025a1000m1x You may also like: The Bob Harrington Show with the Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean of Weill Cornell Medicine, Robert A. Harrington, MD. https://www.medscape.com/author/bob-harrington Questions or feedback, please contact news@medscape.net

The idea that saturated fat might be harmful to our health has sparked controversy for decades. In recent years, counter-narratives have surged: suggesting that concerns over saturated fat were overblown, that LDL cholesterol doesn't matter, or that the original diet-heart hypothesis has been debunked. These claims have become especially popular in online wellness spaces and certain dietary communities, often wrapped in compelling but misleading rhetoric. So what does the best available evidence actually say? And how should we think about saturated fat, LDL cholesterol, and cardiovascular risk in the current day? In this wide-ranging interview, originally recorded for the Chasing Clarity podcast, Alan and Danny explore the scientific consensus around saturated fat's impact on blood lipids, why LDL and apoB are central to atherosclerotic disease, and how dietary patterns can meaningfully reduce risk. Importantly, they also address some of the most persistent myths and half-truths that fuel confusion, from flawed interpretations of the Seven Countries Study to misrepresentations of newer meta-analyses. Timestamps [03:41] How do we know saturated fat impacts LDL-C? [05:28] Metabolic ward studies and key findings [11:13] The Keys equation and subsequent research [17:17] Epidemiology and long-term studies [31:48] The Seven Countries Study [44:25] Understanding the impact of saturated fat on blood lipids [47:23] Historical and research perspectives on saturated fat [50:43] Practical dietary strategies for improving blood lipids [53:48] The Portfolio Diet and other dietary interventions [58:07] The role of pharmacology in managing blood lipids [01:00:58] Addressing misconceptions and common claims [01:13:57] Key ideas segment (premium-only) Related Resources Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Join the Sigma email newsletter for free Enroll in the next cohort of our Applied Nutrition Literacy course Alan Flanagan's Alinea Nutrition Education Hub Related episodes to add to your podcast queue: 532, 525, 515, 493, 481, 439  

Did you know that heart disease kills more midlife women than cancer, yet, most doctors aren't testing correctly? Heart disease is super close and personal to me. It's how I lost my dad when he was just 49…so it really hits home. Most of us think of men when we hear about heart attacks or heart disease, but did you know it's the #1 killer of women over 45? Yet most of us are completely focused on the wrong risk factors (yep, including most doctors). In this conversation, I sat down with cardiologist Dr. Joel Kahn, who's been practicing for 35 years and has a fascinating perspective that challenges much of what we've been told about heart health (in a great way). We get personal - I share my own labs live on air as Dr. Kahn walks through exactly what these numbers mean and what we should actually be testing for instead of the basic panel most doctors order. We dive deep into why women present with heart disease so differently than men, the tests every woman over 45 should demand from their doctor, and why your calcium score might be more important than your cholesterol number. You'll discover the real story behind the cholesterol controversy that's been raging since the 1970s, when statins are actually necessary, the shocking connection between how you cook your food and arterial aging, why antibacterial mouthwash might be damaging your blood vessels, and the advanced lab tests that give you real answers about your cardiovascular risk - not just outdated calculations from the 1960s. If you've ever been confused about conflicting advice on saturated fat, wondered if you really need that statin prescription, or want to know what actually protects your heart as you age, this episode provides the clarity you've been searching for. Dr. Kahn brings decades of research and clinical experience to help us separate the marketing from the medicine when it comes to women's heart health.   Catch the full episode on YOUTUBE HERE: https://bit.ly/MidlifeConversationsYouTube    Learn More About Dr. Joel Kahn:   Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/drjkahn    Website ➜ https://drjoelkahn.com    Additional Episode Resources: Prevent Calculator: https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements/prevent-calculator  Book: "Lipoprotein(a): The Heart's Quiet Killer"  Study Dr. Kahn was co-author on establishing lifelong exposure to either slight reductions in LDL-C or slight elevations determines heart disease risk long term. Widely quoted paper: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23083789/ The most widely quoted paper establishing LDL-C as a cause, not just risk factor, of atherosclerosis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28444290/ A recent paper on Lipoprotein(a) cholesterol inherited by 20-25% of people, not currently FDA approved Rx as statins do not work for it, but new Rx med in the pipeline. Similar risk to men and women: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40240882/ Try a bottle of the world's most delicious artisanal, high-quality olive oils direct from gold-medal-winning small farms for just $1 and taste the difference https://GetFreshNatalieJill.com  Thank you to our show sponsors! LIVON: Save $56 (get a free B Complex) with purchase of the Midlife Bundle at http://livonlabs.com/nataliejill  Free Gifts for being a listener of Midlife Conversations! Mastering the Midlife Midsection Guide: https://theflatbellyguide.com/ Age Optimizing and Supplement Guide: https://ageoptimizer.com   Connect with me on social media! Instagram: www.Instagram.com/Nataliejllfit Facebook: www.Facebook.com/Nataliejillfit   For advertising inquiries: https://www.category3.ca/  Disclaimer: Information provided in the Midlife Conversations podcast is for informational purposes only. This information is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare professional. Do not use the information provided in this podcast for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing medication or other treatment. Always speak with your physician or other healthcare professional before making any changes to your current regimen.  Information provided in this podcast and the use of any products or services related to this podcast does not create a client-patient relationship between you and the host of Midlife Conversations or you and any doctor or provider interviewed and featured on this show. Information and statements may have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent ANY disease. Advertising Disclosure: Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links. Opinions expressed about products or services are those of the host and/or guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any sponsor. Sponsorship does not imply endorsement of any product or service by healthcare professionals featured on this podcast.

Listener feedback, CRT vs CSP, important clues on the ECG, beta-blocker interruption after myocardial infarction, novel approaches to LDL-C lowering, and ICD decisions in cardiac sarcoidosis are the topics John Mandrola, MD, discusses in this week's podcast. This podcast is intended for healthcare professionals only. To read a partial transcript or to comment, visit: https://www.medscape.com/twic I Listener Feedback II CRT vs CSP – CONSYST-CRT • Trial JACC EP https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacep.2025.03.024 III The Important QRS • Kewcharoen et al https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCEP.125.013809 IV ABYSS Trial of BB Interruption after MI Continues to be Mis-interpreted • ABYSS Main https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2404204 • ABYSS substudy https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehaf170 • REDUCE AMI https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2401479 V Oral PCSK9i and the PURSUIT Trial • Koren et al https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2025.03.499 • Editorial https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2025.03.518 • Is Lifelong LDL-C Lowering Within Reach? The heart-1 Gene-Editing Trial https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/998162 • Heart-1 Gene Therapy Trial Pauses Enrollment https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/998162 • EHJ coverage VERVE https://academic.oup.com/ehjcvp/article/10/2/87/7455877 VI Cardiac Sarcoidosis and Risk of VT • EHJ paper Mathijssen et al https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehaf338 You may also like: The Bob Harrington Show with the Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean of Weill Cornell Medicine, Robert A. Harrington, MD. https://www.medscape.com/author/bob-harrington Questions or feedback, please contact news@medscape.net

Welcome back to our weekend Cabral HouseCall shows!   This is where we answer our community's wellness, weight loss, and anti-aging questions to help people get back on track!   Check out today's questions:     Kellie: Hi Dr. Cabral! I have been with your program for almost 6 months now. I have completed the Vit-Tox tests and have gone through the FM Detox twice and now going through the CBO Protocol. I just turned 38 years old and I feel like my joints are of an 80 year old. I have played soccer since age 5 and still play on a competitive coed league to this day. I have played many other team/contact sports in the past. I have had past ankle, knee, and hip injuries due to sports and I do see possible knee and hip replacements in my future. When I do my daily workouts or go up/down stairs my ankles, knees, hips, and back crack or pop so easily and so much. I don't see glucosamine chondroitin as a supplement in your shop. Are there any suggestions you may have to keep my joints healthier? Thank you!!              Jon: Hey Dr Cabral, looking for advice and i feel like there's a population that struggles with this same topic. My Dr is recommending a statin due to my high LDL-C of 230. My LDL has gone up after cleaning up my diet in the last 7 months however ALL of my markers tested for have improved. Triglycerides have gone from over 200 to 100, HDL is up to 60, VLDL has dropped from 30 to 15, A1C is 5.2, blood pressure is normal for the first time ever, and so onr. My personal opinion is that i'm healthier than ever and i can't imagine having to go on what seems like a lifetime drug due to one marker being off and i don't buy the story that LDL alone is a concern for me. Curious on your opinion here and if you think i have something to worry about. Thanks!!                                                                                                                            Annette: I've been diagnosed with nephrocalcinosis by conventional doctors who say the cause is genetic. I have adjusted my diet to low sodium, low oxalate foods. The doctors say my next step is to try to get on the kidney transplant list before I need dialysis. I take potassium citrate and a calcitriol. Is there anything I can do to improve my kidney function?                                                                                                  Summer: Hi Dr. Cabral! I heard you say that it's best to replace aluminum cookware, but not necessary, and instead to use parchment paper as a barrier. Doesn't the aluminum off gas when heated? How does parchment paper prevent the aluminum from getting into the food? Thanks! By the way, to all my fellow listeners: please contact your state representatives and let them know you do not consent to geo-engineering in your skies. Several states have now banned it. We could all live healthier lives if we could work toward eliminating toxins and heavy metals including aluminum that are regularly being sprayed into our air.                                                                                                                                                Ann: Thank you Dr Cabral- you are changing SO many lives - thank you for all of your wisdom and teachings:) I have a question about Magnesium. My cortisol was high at my last lab test, and I took Full Spectrum magnesium for 12 weeks, and now I take Cal Mag daily. I also understand that I can take Calming Magnesium and CBD at night to help with sleep.I don't want to take too much for too long for my body, but I still think I need the help for my cortisol levels/ sleep. What combination of the above do you recommend? Is there a length of time that is too long to be on Full Spectrum Magnesium? PS. I do the 3-2-1 protocol, take Adrenal Soothe and will be repeating my big 5 this fall. Thank you again!           Thank you for tuning into today's Cabral HouseCall and be sure to check back tomorrow where we answer more of our community's questions!      - - - Show Notes and Resources: StephenCabral.com/3396 - - - Get a FREE Copy of Dr. Cabral's Book: The Rain Barrel Effect - - - Join the Community & Get Your Questions Answered: CabralSupportGroup.com - - - Dr. Cabral's Most Popular At-Home Lab Tests: > Complete Minerals & Metals Test (Test for mineral imbalances & heavy metal toxicity) - - - > Complete Candida, Metabolic & Vitamins Test (Test for 75 biomarkers including yeast & bacterial gut overgrowth, as well as vitamin levels) - - - > Complete Stress, Mood & Metabolism Test (Discover your complete thyroid, adrenal, hormone, vitamin D & insulin levels) - - - > Complete Food Sensitivity Test (Find out your hidden food sensitivities) - - - > Complete Omega-3 & Inflammation Test (Discover your levels of inflammation related to your omega-6 to omega-3 levels) - - - Get Your Question Answered On An Upcoming HouseCall: StephenCabral.com/askcabral - - - Would You Take 30 Seconds To Rate & Review The Cabral Concept? The best way to help me spread our mission of true natural health is to pass on the good word, and I read and appreciate every review!  

What if everything you thought you knew about cholesterol, fat, and metabolic health was up for debate? As someone interested in nutrition research, I'm always up for exploring differing points of view especially when they come from a rigorous scientific background and can speak to the evidence base. So in this episode, I sit down with Dr Nick Norwitz PhD, to challenge some of my long held positions in nutrition science and break down keto.He's a researcher and expert in ketogenic diets, lipid metabolism, and metabolic health as well as a current medical student at Harvard Medical school.We discuss: