Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn

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.

This week, Dr. Joel Kahn explores important new research showing how elevated inflammation, measured by Interleukin-6 (IL-6), may dramatically increase cardiovascular risk in people with high Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a). He explains why IL-6 is emerging as an important biomarker and reviews the other inflammation tests he routinely uses at the Kahn Center, including hs-CRP, MPO, Lp-PLA2, NT-proBNP, fibrinogen, ferritin, the sedimentation rate, and the white blood cell count.
Dr. Kahn also discusses Lilly's newly approved oral weight loss medication, the ABCDEF framework for cardiovascular prevention, the growing evidence linking erectile dysfunction and sleep apnea to heart disease, new research on cannabis use and coronary artery plaque, and intriguing early findings on creatine's potential role in supporting the immune system and anti-tumor activity.
Finally, thanks to this week's sponsor, the Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Club. Visit getfreshDrKahn.com to take advantage of their special introductory offer and experience the health benefits of fresh, polyphenol-rich olive oil.

Dr. Joel Kahn explores the latest science on supplements that may help slow or reverse atherosclerosis, building on a recent discussion from Simon Hill's The Proof podcast. He takes a closer look at the evidence behind vitamin K2, niacin, pycnogenol with centella asiatica, beta-cyclodextrin, and bergamot, explaining where the research is strongest and what it could mean for heart health.
Additional topics include new research on nutrient deficiencies to watch for in vegan diets, the potential kidney risks of certain calcium channel blockers, the health benefits of onions, advanced plaque measurements from coronary CT angiography, the connection between periodontal disease and kidney disease, and how fasting-mimicking diets may improve gum health. Dr. Kahn also reviews encouraging early results from an emerging Lipoprotein(a)-lowering therapy that could reduce the need for lipoprotein apheresis. 
Dr. Kahn is leading a group PROLON fasting-mimicking diet beginning this Sunday, July 12, and continuing for five days. A PROLON kit is required and can be purchased at prolonlife.com/drkahn. The NextGen version is recommended. 
Finally, a giant thanks to this week's sponsor, Igennus. Learn more at igennus.com/drkahn.