In this powerful episode, Dr. Akil Taher, a heart-attack survivor turned marathon runner, reveals the life-saving truth about lipoprotein(a) which is a genetically inherited form of cholesterol that most people don't even know they have. Despite living a healthy lifestyle, Dr. Taher discovered his LP(a) levels were dangerously high, placing him at extreme risk for heart disease and stroke.

He joins Chuck Carroll on The Exam Room Podcast to explain:

- What LP(a) is and why standard cholesterol tests don't detect it

- How 1 in 5 people have elevated LP(a) and most never know it

- Why South Asians, Black Americans, and Middle Eastern populations face increased genetic risk

- The role of a whole-food, plant-based diet in lowering LP(a) levels by up to 16 %—and which foods can cut levels by 40 %

- The immense cholesterol lowering benefit of amla or Indian gooseberries

- New LP(a)-targeting drugs in clinical trials that could reduce levels by up to 98 %

- How lifestyle habits—from nutrition and sleep to stress management—help strengthen arteries and protect your heart

📘 Learn more about Dr. Taher's inspiring journey in his book Open Heart: https://amzn.to/491ujAJ

💻 Visit his website: https://www.akiltaher.com

🌱 Start your journey to better health today!

Work with the expert doctors and dietitians at the Barnard Medical Center: https://www.BarnardMedical.org

If you feel like you've raised your health IQ, please leave a 5-star rating and nice review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Open Heart

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