New Advances in Cholesterol Testing & Treatment Dr. Eve Henry
Apr 1, 2025
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Dr. Eve Henry, a Longevity Specialist and founder of Eve Henry MD, dives deep into the complexities of cholesterol and heart health. She discusses the importance of advanced lipid testing like ApoB and LP(a), revealing how these tests can personalize heart health strategies. The conversation unveils the connections between inflammation and cardiovascular risk, while also highlighting the role of lifestyle changes alongside medication in managing cholesterol. Plus, Dr. Henry shares insights on the impact of genetics and dietary choices on lipid profiles.
Advanced lipid testing, such as ApoB and Lp(a), provides a deeper understanding of cardiovascular risk beyond traditional cholesterol panels.
Incorporating lifestyle changes like diet and exercise can significantly improve metabolic health and influence cholesterol levels positively.
Effective cholesterol management often involves a combination of lifestyle modifications and medications, tailored to individual patient profiles and histories.
Deep dives
Importance of Advanced Cholesterol Testing
Cholesterol testing has evolved with new biomarkers that can more accurately assess cardiovascular risk, such as ApoB and LP little a. Understanding these advanced lipid panels is crucial because cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, making it essential to identify risk factors early on. Dr. Eve Henry highlights how these markers can indicate an individual's propensity for plaque buildup in arteries, which can ultimately lead to heart attacks. Rethinking traditional lipid panels and incorporating these advanced tests can empower healthcare providers to take proactive measures in risk management.
The Role of Blood Sugar and Inflammation
High blood sugar levels and inflammation are significant contributors to cardiovascular disease, with each playing a role in the stickiness of cholesterol particles. Elevated blood pressure can cause micro-tears in the artery walls, making them more vulnerable to cholesterol infiltration. The immune response to trapped cholesterol can lead to plaque formation, which increases heart attack risk. Monitoring inflammatory markers such as CRP and ferritin, along with blood sugar levels, can provide deeper insights into a patient's cardiovascular health and risk levels.
Lifestyle Factors Impacting Cholesterol Levels
Certain lifestyle changes can dramatically influence cholesterol levels, particularly through weight management and diet. Engaging in regular physical activity, reducing processed foods, and incorporating more fruits and vegetables into one's diet are effective strategies for improving metabolic health. Furthermore, high-intensity exercise has been shown to raise HDL levels while lowering triglycerides, thereby supporting cardiovascular health. However, individuals with genetically elevated cholesterol levels may require more than lifestyle modifications, necessitating a collaborative approach with their healthcare providers for optimal management.
Understanding Medication Options for Cholesterol
The medication landscape for managing cholesterol includes statins, which inhibit the synthesis of cholesterol, and newer options like PCSK9 inhibitors that enhance the liver's clearance of cholesterol particles. Ezetimibe targets the recycling mechanism of cholesterol, showing effectiveness in specific patient populations when used in conjunction with statins. The choice of medication often depends on the patient’s baseline cholesterol levels and family history of heart disease, with healthcare providers needing to navigate these decisions carefully. It is essential for patients to have informed discussions with their doctors about these therapies to ensure optimal health outcomes.
The Complexity of Cholesterol Management and Metabolism
Managing cholesterol involves a multifaceted approach that includes monitoring various metrics beyond traditional LDL levels. For instance, triglycerides and ApoB levels are critical in evaluating a patient's overall cardiovascular risk. Understanding the physiological processes of cholesterol metabolism, including how dietary fat can influence cholesterol levels, is key for personalized treatment strategies. Patients should be aware of their unique genetic profiles and family histories to better engage in discussions with their healthcare providers regarding effective lifestyle adjustments and targeted therapies.
In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge sits down with Longevity Specialist
Dr. Eve Henry, to explore the often-misunderstood world of cholesterol, lipids, and heart disease risk.
You'll hear them discuss:
Why cholesterol matters for longevity and heart health
Advanced lipid testing beyond standard panels
How to interpret ApoB, LP(a), and triglyceride levels
Understanding medications, supplements, and lifestyle approaches for heart health
Dr. Eve Henry is board certified in Internal and Integrative Medicine. With extensive experience in personalized medicine and longevity science, she is dedicated to providing innovative care that optimizes healthspan and lifespan. She was previously Medical Director at Early Medical and is now founder of her own clinic, Eve Henry MD. She also serves as Medical Advisor to multiple start ups and enjoys her work educating leadership teams and consumers on ways to enhance their own health.
Dr. Henry is committed to helping patients enhance their healthspan and lifespan through advanced medical and lifestyle interventions. She also serves as a Medical Advisor at Rupa Health and The Metapause and is the founder of www.drevehenry.com, a concierge practice.
