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The Ultimate Health Podcast
576: Your Doctor Is Wrong About Cholesterol & Heart Disease! | Dr. Malcolm Kendrick
Dec 26, 2023
Dr. Malcolm Kendrick, a General Practitioner and bestselling author, challenges the cholesterol hypothesis and discusses the role of saturated fat and LDL cholesterol in heart disease. He explains the anatomy of plaque in arteries, the importance of protecting the glycocalyx, and the real causes of heart disease. Kendrick also shares practical tips to repair the endothelium and highlights the flawed understanding of LDL cholesterol and heart disease.
02:02:24
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Quick takeaways
- Contrary to popular belief, LDL does not damage endothelial cells or directly contribute to plaque formation.
- Lp(a), a form of LDL with an additional protein attached, plays a role in blocking damaged areas in blood vessels.
Deep dives
The Flaws in the Cholesterol Hypothesis
The cholesterol hypothesis suggests that an elevated blood level of LDL cholesterol causes heart disease. This podcast episode challenges this hypothesis, pointing out the flaws in the current understanding. Firstly, saturated fat does not raise LDL levels, as there is no direct pathway for this to occur. Furthermore, LDL does not haphazardly pass through the endothelial cells lining the arteries and cause plaque formation. The focus on LDL in heart disease is misguided, as there is no identified mechanism of action by which it can damage endothelial cells or contribute to plaque formation. The anatomy of plaque also reveals that it is not solely composed of LDL or cholesterol, but contains various components such as fiber, red blood cells, white blood cells, and more. Additionally, the episode discusses the existence of Lp(a), an evil twin of LDL that has an additional protein attached. Lp(a) is attracted to damaged areas in blood vessels and plays a role in blocking them, but its exact function is not fully understood.
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