The Dr. Hyman Show The Most Important Tests to Assess Your Risk of Heart Disease That Your Doctor Doesn’t Check with Dr. Ronald Krauss
Aug 23, 2023
In this enlightening discussion, Dr. Ronald Krauss, a leading lipidologist and senior scientist, dives into the intricate world of heart disease and cholesterol. He explains the complexities of lipoproteins and why standard tests fall short. Dr. Krauss emphasizes the dangers of small LDL particles and how diet influences heart health. He advocates for advanced testing methods, including genetic screening, to personalize cardiovascular risk assessments. With insights on dietary impacts and inflammatory markers, he urges a shift towards comprehensive evaluations for better heart health.
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LDL Size and Heart Disease Risk
- Different LDL sizes exist, with smaller LDL correlating with low HDL and high triglycerides.
- This "lipid triad" is a significant heart disease risk factor, often present in individuals with obesity or diabetes.
Lipoproteins and Cholesterol
- Cholesterol is carried by lipoprotein particles, whose size and type determine risk, not just the amount of cholesterol.
- Small LDL particles are particularly harmful due to their properties, like binding tightly to artery walls.
Normal Cholesterol, High Risk
- Many heart attack patients have normal total cholesterol levels.
- One patient had a cholesterol of 150, but dangerously high triglycerides and low HDL, highlighting the inadequacy of standard cholesterol tests.