Episode 409: Everything You Need to Know About Heart Calcium and CT Imaging
Jan 28, 2025
auto_awesome
Discover the health benefits of forest bathing and the hidden dangers of glyphosate linked to heart disease. Learn about the risks of carnivore and ketogenic diets, plus how a lentil-rich diet can aid pre-diabetes. Dive deep into heart calcium and CT imaging, where calcium scores predict heart health risks, especially for athletes. Recent studies show that CT angiography improves outcomes compared to standard care. Don’t overlook breast artery calcium as a vital marker for cardiovascular health!
Calcium scoring is crucial for heart disease risk assessment, especially since many individuals show non-zero scores indicating hidden risk.
The link between glyphosate exposure and heart disease underscores the importance of choosing organic and non-GMO foods for better health.
Deep dives
The Benefits of Forest Walking
Research indicates that walking in a forest environment significantly lowers cortisol levels, the stress hormone, compared to urban walking. A study involving 78 participants showed a notable increase in saliva IgA, an antibody that helps defend against viruses, only after forest walks. This highlights the health benefits of green spaces, particularly for stress reduction and immune support. Although winter weather may limit outdoor options in some regions, seeking opportunities to connect with nature is crucial for overall well-being.
Health Risks Associated with Glyphosate Exposure
Recent findings suggest a concerning link between glyphosate exposure, commonly found in herbicides like Roundup, and an increased risk of atherosclerotic heart disease. A large study involving 1,602 patients showed that higher levels of glyphosate correlated with a greater risk of coronary artery disease. This raises alarms about the long-term health implications of glyphosate, particularly for individuals consuming non-organic foods that may be treated with this chemical. Emphasizing organic and non-GMO food choices may help mitigate this risk.
Insights into Heart Imaging and Preventive Care
Studies reveal that coronary artery calcium scoring is vital for assessing heart disease risk, with nearly 42% of participants aged 50-65 showing non-zero scores, indicating hidden heart disease potential. Another study linked breast artery calcification noted in mammograms to a 51% increased risk of heart events, highlighting the interconnectedness of various health indicators. These findings stress the importance of proactive heart health assessments, particularly for athletes and those with persistent chest pain. Regular screenings and consultations with healthcare providers can lead to better preventive strategies and outcomes in cardiovascular health.
This week, Dr. Kahn dives into fascinating new studies on topics such as forest bathing, glyphosate (RoundUp) and its connection to heart disease, the risks of carnivore and ketogenic diets, fat accumulation in muscles, and the health benefits of legumes like lentils in managing pre-diabetes.
The main focus of the episode is an in-depth look at the latest research on heart calcium and CT imaging. Dr. Kahn discusses the predictive power of calcium scores, particularly when results exceed the 90th percentile. He also reviews findings from the SCOT-HEART study, which compared CT angiography to standard care, demonstrating improved outcomes when clinicians have CT data. Additional topics include the role of CT imaging in detecting heart disease in athletes and the significance of breast artery calcium as a marker of cardiovascular health.
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