
Dhru Purohit Show
The Latest Science on Preventing Heart Disease and Atherosclerosis: Best Heart Tests, Supplements, and Lifestyle Changes with Joel Kahn, MD
Episode guests
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Objective tests like the coronary artery calcium CT scan and blood biomarkers provide accurate measurements to assess heart health and guide lifestyle modifications.
- A comprehensive approach to heart health includes lifestyle factors like sleep, stress management, exercise, nutrition, and targeted supplements.
Deep dives
The Importance of Testing for Heart Health
To truly know if your heart is healthy, relying on subjective feelings or physical fitness is not enough. It is crucial to conduct tests that provide objective measurements. One such test is the coronary artery calcium CT scan, which determines the amount of calcified plaque in the heart arteries. A score of zero is desirable, indicating a low risk of developing atherosclerosis. Additionally, blood tests can provide valuable insights. Measuring hemoglobin A1c helps evaluate blood sugar levels over three months, while fasting insulin levels indicate metabolic health. Monitoring high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HSCRP) can determine if inflammation is present, and lipoprotein little A (LP little A) can identify genetic cholesterol abnormalities. Understanding these markers can guide lifestyle modifications to ensure heart health.