Smarter Not Harder Why Cholesterol Isn’t the Problem: Rethinking Heart Health with Dr. Abid Husain | SNH Podcast #123
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May 14, 2025 Dr. Abid Husain, a triple-boarded cardiologist and integrative medicine expert, dives deep into reshaping our understanding of heart health. He debunks the cholesterol myths, explaining how LDL alone fails to capture cardiovascular risk. Discover the connections between inflammation, mitochondrial health, and lipid metabolism. Dr. Husain also discusses advanced diagnostics, the significance of personalized medicine, and emerging treatments like GLP-1s and statins. This lively discussion encourages a holistic approach to heart health and longevity.
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Distinct Roles of Cholesterol Types
- LDL, HDL, and triglycerides have distinct roles and effects on cardiovascular health, not just "cholesterol" as a whole.
- LDL is implicated in plaque buildup while HDL helps remove cholesterol from arteries, though the mechanism is complex and not fully understood.
High LDL's Dual Effects
- High LDL can be protective if the immune system properly regulates inflammation and reverse cholesterol transport.
- Metabolic dysfunction and chronic inflammation turn high LDL into a risk factor for plaque and cardiovascular disease.
Balance LDL With Other Lipids
- Avoid lowering LDL to levels that reduce HDL and triglycerides because it affects mitochondrial function and overall metabolism.
- Use advanced imaging like CCTA to guide LDL lowering aggressively only in patients with significant, inflamed plaque.