Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn

This week, Dr. Kahn discusses his long-standing interest in the amino acid glycine and its potential health benefits. Sleep is a key focus, highlighted by a new report on the widespread difficulty adults face in getting a full night's rest. Glycine may also offer favorable cardiovascular support.
Additional topics include coffee and aging, methamphetamines and heart attacks, Lipoprotein(a) and cardiovascular risk, yoga and overall health, a tribute to Eugene Braunwald, MD, TMAO and atherosclerosis, and a new study on the benefits of adopting heart-healthy habits early in life. 
Thanks to the Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Club and the special discount offer at getfreshdrkahn.com

This week, Dr. Kahn reviews new data from the Global Burden of Disease study analyzing the relationship between diet and death from heart disease. In 2023, an estimated 5.9 million deaths worldwide were linked to poor dietary choices, led by excessive sodium intake and insufficient consumption of fruit and whole grains. It's a fascinating and important study with clear takeaways.
Other topics include stents for angina, causes of sudden cardiac death, daytime napping and health outcomes, plastic-free diets, PCSK9 inhibitors vs. statins, calcium supplements, and the purity of fish oil samples.
Thanks to the Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Club. Visit getfreshdrkahn.com for an incredible introductory offer.

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.