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Siim Land Podcast

#424 How to Prevent Heart Disease - Dr Paddy Barrett

Oct 26, 2024
Dr. Paddy Barrett, a seasoned preventive cardiologist from Ireland with two decades of experience, delves into the pressing issue of heart disease. He discusses how atherosclerosis begins early and the critical role of genetics in cardiovascular health. The conversation highlights risk management strategies, including the importance of cholesterol metrics over time and the significance of Lp(a). Barrett also explores how both moderate exercise and inflammation impact heart health, offering practical steps for prevention throughout life.
01:26:12

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Quick takeaways

  • Atherosclerosis develops in nearly everyone, but managing risk factors early can delay its onset and prevent heart attacks.
  • Obesity significantly heightens the risk of heart disease by exacerbating metabolic dysfunction and is increasingly prioritized in prevention discussions.

Deep dives

Atherosclerosis and Heart Disease

Atherosclerosis is a condition where plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, ultimately leading to heart disease, which is the leading cause of death globally. The discussion emphasizes that while nearly everyone will develop atherosclerosis at some point, the goal is to do so as late in life as possible to avoid heart attacks, which are the true killers. Recent statistics indicate that cardiovascular disease accounts for approximately 20 million deaths annually, outperforming cancer as a cause of mortality. However, there has been a noticeable decline in early heart disease deaths over the past 50 years, largely attributed to reduced smoking rates, although disparities exist across socioeconomic classes.

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