Who Needs a Statin? Exploring the PREVENT Calculator
Jun 18, 2024
auto_awesome
Dr. Joel Kahn discusses the benefits of adding tomatoes and choline-rich foods to your diet for heart health. He warns against plant-based junk food and highlights a new study on nicotinamide riboside for leg circulation. The focus is on the PREVENT score calculator, helping healthcare providers determine who may benefit from statin therapy.
Nicotinamide riboside may improve leg circulation, as shown in a recent clinical trial.
Increased tomato consumption is linked to a 36% lower risk of high blood pressure for cardiovascular health.
Deep dives
Study on Nicotinamide Riboside for Peripheral Arterial Disease
A recent study published in Nature Communications on the effects of nicotinamide riboside showed promising results for peripheral arterial disease. The six-month randomized clinical trial included 90 participants with clogged leg arteries. Individuals taking nicotinamide riboside showed improvement in walking distance, notably a 7-meter increase in the six-minute walk test. Those who adhered to the supplement regimen saw even greater improvements, walking an additional 31 meters.
Tomato Consumption and Blood Pressure Control
The PREDIMED study from Spain highlighted the relationship between tomato consumption and blood pressure control in over 7,000 patients. Increased tomato intake, whether from sauce, stewed tomatoes, or salads, was linked to a 36% lower risk of high blood pressure. The study emphasized the potential benefits of including tomatoes in one's diet to support cardiovascular health.
Impact of Ultra-Processed Plant-Based Foods on Cardiovascular Risk
A study published in The Lancet examined the effects of ultra-processed plant-based foods on cardiovascular risk. The Biobank study involving 126,000 individuals found that a higher intake of unprocessed plant-based foods correlated with a lower risk of heart disease. In contrast, consuming processed plant-based products like vegan substitutes was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular-related mortality, highlighting the importance of choosing whole, minimally processed foods for heart health.
New PREVENT Calculator and Statin Recommendations
The introduction of the PREVENT calculator by the American Heart Association in 2023 has led to significant changes in statin recommendations for cardiovascular risk. A study published in JAMA analyzed the impact of the new calculator on statin eligibility in adults aged 40 to 75 without known atherosclerotic disease. Results showed a notable decrease in the number of individuals qualifying for statin therapy, with a substantial shift in risk assessment. The study emphasized the importance of accurate risk assessment tools like the PREVENT calculator for guiding statin recommendations.
1.
Exploring Medical Topics: Nicotinamide Riboside, Tomato Consumption, Processed Plant Foods, Dietary Choline, and the PREVENT Calculator Impact
In this episode, Dr. Joel Kahn pays tribute to two influential figures, Drs. Endo and Mosley, who passed away this month. He also delves into the benefits of adding more tomatoes and choline-rich foods to your diet for heart health. Plus, even plant-based junk food is still junk food, and Dr. Kahn reminds us why it's best to avoid it.
On a hopeful note, a new study suggests that the supplement nicotinamide riboside may improve leg circulation. You can find it here: Tru Niagen® 300 mg - 90 Vegetarian Capsules.
The main focus of this episode is the new PREVENT score calculator, which helps healthcare professionals determine who might benefit from statin therapy for lowering cholesterol. Dr. Kahn was recently interviewed on national TV to discuss this significant development. Understanding this tool is crucial, and you can explore it here: PREVENT Calculator.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode