Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn

Episode 503: Supplements to Reverse Atherosclerosis: Follow-Up to The Proof

Dr. Joel Kahn explores the latest science on supplements that may help slow or reverse atherosclerosis, building on a recent discussion from Simon Hill's The Proof podcast. He takes a closer look at the evidence behind vitamin K2, niacin, pycnogenol with centella asiatica, beta-cyclodextrin, and bergamot, explaining where the research is strongest and what it could mean for heart health. Additional topics include new research on nutrient deficiencies to watch for in vegan diets, the potential kidney risks of certain calcium channel blockers, the health benefits of onions, advanced plaque measurements from coronary CT angiography, the connection between periodontal disease and kidney disease, and how fasting-mimicking diets may improve gum health. Dr. Kahn also reviews encouraging early results from an emerging Lipoprotein(a)-lowering therapy that could reduce the need for lipoprotein apheresis. Dr. Kahn is leading a group PROLON fasting-mimicking diet beginning this Sunday, July 12, and continuing for five days. A PROLON kit is required and can be purchased at prolonlife.com/drkahn [http://www.prolonlife.com/drkahn]. The NextGen version is recommended. Finally, a giant thanks to this week's sponsor, Igennus. Learn more at igennus.com/drkahn [http://www.igennus.com/drkahn].

Episode 502: Prozac (Fluoxetine) and Other Drugs That Injure Endothelium

This week, Dr. Kahn reviews important new research showing that the commonly prescribed antidepressant Prozac (fluoxetine) may disrupt cholesterol metabolism, injure the endothelium (the delicate lining of arteries), and potentially increase cardiovascular risk. He also examines growing evidence linking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and several common cancer therapies to endothelial damage, emphasizing that patients should always discuss the risks and benefits of these medications with their healthcare team rather than stopping treatment on their own. Other topics include new Harvard research showing that combining aerobic exercise, strength training, and less time spent watching television can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes by up to 60%; promising data on niacin for glioblastoma brain cancer; predicting statin-related muscle injury; the protective effects of plant-based diets against heart disease, dementia, and several cancers; tea consumption and lower cardiovascular risk; vitamin K-rich leafy greens and lung health; whole grains and breast cancer prevention; and the latest research on red meat, inflammatory bowel disease, and hypertension. Thanks to igennus.com/drkahn [https://www.igennus.com/drkahn] for this week's podcast sponsorship featuring their vegan Super B Complex.

Episode 501: The Surprising Science of Gratitude and Heart Health

Can a simple gratitude practice improve your heart health? This week, Dr. Kahn explores the growing science linking gratitude to better well-being, improved sleep, lower inflammation, and even enhanced cardiac function. He shares his own gratitude practices and offers practical ways to incorporate them into daily life. Also covered in this episode: how adherence to Life's Essential 8 is associated with longevity, even among the ultra-elderly; the importance of identifying cholesterol hyperabsorbers; the connection between obesity and cancer risk; the relationship between sleep apnea and Lipoprotein(a); why strength training is especially important for women; and the link between hypothyroidism and elevated homocysteine levels. Thanks to IGENNUS for their support of this episode, featuring their vegan Pro-Collagen Powder. Learn more at igennus.com/drkahn [https://www.igennus.com/drkahn].

Episode 500: The Long Path to Building an Integrative Cardiology Practice

In this special 500th episode of Heart Doc VIP, Dr. Joel Kahn reflects on the personal and professional journey that shaped his 36-year career in cardiology and preventive medicine. From his childhood in Detroit and medical training at the University of Michigan to founding the Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity, Dr. Kahn shares the mentors, experiences, and lessons that influenced his approach to patient care. He also reviews new research on heart disease mortality in the United States, vitamin K2 and coronary artery calcium progression, plant-based diets for chronic kidney disease, factors influencing carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and emerging advances in calcium scoring technology. Thank you to Igennus for sponsoring this milestone episode. Visit Igennus.com/DrKahn [https://Igennus.com/DrKahn] and use code DRKAHN for savings on their vegan-certified supplements.

Episode 499: Why ApoB Could Be the Most Important Heart Health Test You're Missing

In Episode 499, Dr. Joel Kahn explores the growing importance of apolipoprotein B (ApoB) testing as a powerful tool for assessing cardiovascular risk. He reviews new research highlighting why ApoB may provide a more complete picture of atherosclerosis risk than traditional cholesterol measurements alone and explains how it relates to LDL-C and Lp(a). Dr. Kahn also discusses several noteworthy studies in preventive medicine and longevity, including research linking GLP-1 medications to lower cancer risk, the potential DNA-protective effects of melatonin, and new findings on stroke and clot prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. Additional topics include the relationship between very low Lp(a) levels and diabetes risk, the benefits of organic produce for breast cancer prevention, Pilates training for blood pressure management, and the connection between processed meat consumption and gastrointestinal cancers. The episode concludes with a look at Endothelin-1 (ET-1), an important marker involved in vascular health and cardiovascular disease, along with a discussion of Vinia grape powder [https://vinia.com/products/vinia?affid=228&oid=1] and its potential role in lowering ET-1 levels. Thanks to Igennus.com [https://igennus.com/] and their Triple Vitamin K Complex using the discount code DrKahn