The Heart of Prevention

The 2026 Dyslipidemia Guidelines Playbook: From Evidence to Action

Join host Dr. Keerthana Pakanati for an in-depth discussion with two leaders in preventive cardiology, Dr. Roger Blumenthal and Dr. Ty Gluckman, as they break down the highly anticipated 2026 ACC/AHA/Multisociety Dyslipidemia Guidelines. In this episode, the panel explores the biggest updates shaping lipid management today, including LDL-C targets, the PREVENT risk score, coronary artery calcium (CAC), Lp(a), apoB, and the evolving role of personalized risk assessment. The conversation also dives into practical strategies for applying the guidelines in real-world clinical practice, navigating treatment barriers, and improving long-term cardiovascular prevention. Listeners will gain expert insight into: • Key changes in the 2026 dyslipidemia guidelines • Treat-to-target vs. threshold-based therapy • Risk stratification using PREVENT, CAC, Lp(a), and apoB • Lipid management in women and younger patients • Cost, access, adherence, and emerging therapies • The future of preventive cardiology and systems-based care A must-listen episode for clinicians, trainees, and anyone passionate about advancing cardiovascular prevention. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

ACC 2026 Prevention Recap: Trainee Perspectives from the Frontlines

In this episode of The Heart of Prevention, we zero in on the late-breaking clinical trials from ACC 2026 that are poised to shape the future of cardiovascular prevention. Featuring trainees who attended the conference, we unpack the most practice-changing data across lipid management, cardiometabolic therapies, and risk reduction strategies. Our discussion highlights not just the results, but the clinical context—what these trials mean for patient care, where they challenge existing paradigms, and how they may influence guidelines moving forward. From nuanced shifts in treatment thresholds to emerging therapies and implementation challenges, our trainee panel brings fresh, thoughtful perspectives from the frontlines of ACC. We also reflect on key themes across the late breakers, including personalization of prevention, residual risk, and advancing equity in cardiovascular care. Whether you’re looking for a high-yield summary or deeper clinical insight, this episode delivers a focused, trainee-driven breakdown of the trials everyone is talking about. Tune in for sharp analysis, practical takeaways, and what to watch next in prevention science. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Seeing Atherosclerosis: How Coronary Calcium Transforms Risk Assessment

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring has emerged as one of the most powerful tools for refining cardiovascular risk assessment in asymptomatic individuals. A CAC score of zero is associated with extremely low event rates even among those with multiple risk factors, while elevated scores identify individuals who benefit most from preventive therapies. Yet despite robust evidence and guideline endorsement, CAC scoring remains underutilized in clinical practice. In this episode of "The Heart of Prevention," Dr. Michael Blaha and Dr. Khurram Nasir explore how CAC scoring transforms primary prevention from a population-based approach to truly personalized medicine. They discuss the "power of zero"—how the absence of coronary calcium can safely defer or avoid certain preventive therapies—and how elevated scores guide intensification of treatment, from statins to aspirin and beyond. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

The Menopause Transition: A Critical Window for Cardiovascular Prevention

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, yet the menopause transition—a critical period when cardiovascular risk accelerates—remains an underrecognized opportunity for prevention. The menopause transition is associated with central fat accumulation, insulin resistance, atherogenic lipid changes, and increased blood pressure—all of which contribute to accelerated atherosclerosis. Women with premature menopause face particularly heightened cardiovascular risk.  Dr. Lily Dastmalchi and Dr. Emily Lau discuss how clinicians can identify at-risk women through comprehensive cardiovascular risk stratification, including assessment of traditional risk factors and female-specific risk enhancers such as premature menopause and adverse pregnancy outcomes. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Before the Breaking Point: Preventing Heart Failure in the Modern Era

Heart failure affects nearly 7 million Americans, with projections reaching 11 million by 2050. Yet prevention remains our most powerful—and underutilized—strategy. In this special Heart Month episode, Dr. Martha Gulati and Dr. Anuradha Lala-Trindade explore the paradigm shift toward risk-based heart failure prevention. Drawing on their expertise as co-authors of the joint scientific statement from the Heart Failure Society of America and the American Society for Preventive Cardiology, they set the stage with this introductory episode to help clinicians understand the relationship between prevention and heart failure as well as providing real life tips. You don’t want to miss this! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].