Mayo Clinic Talks
Heart Health Edition: Pharmacologic Options to Maintain a Healthy Heart
Feb 20, 2025
Thomas C. Gerber, a preventive cardiologist from Mayo Clinic, discusses vital pharmacologic options to enhance heart health. He explores the role of medications, like statins and PCSK9 inhibitors, while addressing statin intolerance. Gerber also evaluates the efficacy of supplements such as CoQ10 and fish oil, revealing limited benefits. Additionally, he highlights tailored treatment plans for blood pressure and lipid management and delves into the importance of imaging for assessing heart risk. This episode is a goldmine for understanding heart health strategies!
24:53
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Quick takeaways
- Lifestyle changes, including regular exercise and a heart-healthy diet, are foundational to maintaining optimal heart health alongside pharmacotherapy.
- Pharmacologic options, such as statins and PCSK9 inhibitors, play a crucial role in managing cardiovascular risks, particularly for those who cannot tolerate statins.
Deep dives
Lifestyle as a Foundation for Heart Health
Lifestyle changes play a crucial role in heart health, serving as the foundation for both primary and secondary prevention. Regular physical activity is emphasized, as individuals who maintain cardiovascular fitness tend to fare better than those who are less active, even if they have other risk factors. Diet also significantly affects heart health; a heart-healthy diet should be low in saturated fats and sodium while monitoring calorie intake to manage weight effectively. Despite medication options available for managing cardiovascular risks, sustaining healthy lifestyle habits alongside pharmacotherapy is essential for optimal heart health outcomes.
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