Statins Beyond LDL-C: Pleiotropy, Special populations, & Why They Still Matter

A Simple 3-Step Way to Approach the 2026 Multisociety Dyslipidemia (or Any) Guideline

What do you do when a 100+ page evidence-rich guideline drops? Most of us intend to read it, save it for later… and never really use it effectively. Not because we do not care, but because we were never taught how to read them. In this episode, we take a different approach. Using the recently published 2026 multisociety dyslipidemia guideline as an example, and drawing from my experience as a guideline co-author, we focus on how to read and apply any guideline without getting overwhelmed. I walk through a simple 3-step framework to break down dense guidelines and turn them into practical clinical decisions. Guidelines do not change practice. How we use them does. Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes for clinicians and healthcare professionals. It does not provide medical advice, establish a physician–patient relationship, or replace individualized clinical judgment. The opinions expressed are those of the creator and do not represent the views of any affiliated institutions or organizations.

Statins Beyond LDL-C: Pleiotropy, Special populations, & Why They Still Matter

Let’s talk about statins. I know… boring, right? Most of us already know a lot about them. But thinking of statins only as cholesterol drugs misses the bigger picture. In many ways, statins are best understood as anti-atherosclerotic therapies that modify plaque biology, vascular inflammation, and cardiovascular risk far beyond simple LDL reduction. In this episode, we cover: 1. Pleiotropic effects of statins beyond LDL-C lowering 2. Choosing the right statin in special populations 3. Why statins remain foundational therapy even in the era of newer lipid-lowering drugs Whether you prescribe statins daily or want a deeper understanding of why they work so well, this episode revisits the science behind one of the most important therapies in preventive cardiology. Bonus: Visual guide [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wbZuRYdzJOzOXChbUmDq9Sy1YBLQI7Jm/view?usp=sharing] to help you navigate the episode. Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠ [https://learnatpinnacle.com/education]to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!  Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes for clinicians and healthcare professionals. It does not provide medical advice, establish a physician–patient relationship, or replace individualized clinical judgment. The opinions expressed are those of the creator and do not represent the views of any affiliated institutions or organizations.

LipidCurious Inspiration: Dr.Thomas Dayspring

In this special LipidCurious Inspiration episode, Dr. Vishnu Priya Pulipati, MD, FACE, DiplABCL, sits down with legendary lipid educator Dr. Thomas Dayspring, MD, FACP, FNLA, for a conversation beyond guidelines and numbers. Together, they explore the personal stories, career pivots, and defining moments that shaped a five-decade journey in medicine and lipidology. From evolving clinical passions to the power of teaching and lifelong curiosity, this episode is a reflective look at sustaining purpose and inspiration in a long career, especially when the spark needs reigniting.  Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes for clinicians and healthcare professionals. It does not provide medical advice, establish a physician–patient relationship, or replace individualized clinical judgment. The opinions expressed are those of the creator and do not represent the views of any affiliated institutions or organizations.

ASCVD Risk Stratification Series (Part 3/3): LDL-C Targets, Treatment Options & The Future of Prevention [Pre-2026 Guidelines]

Note: This episode reflects pre-2026 dyslipidemia guidelines. Some recommendations may no longer align with current guidelines.  ASCVD prevention isn’t about numbers; it’s about extending healthy years.  Treat the right individual, at the right time, with the right intensity, and you give them more shared birthdays, more anniversaries, and more ordinary Tuesday dinners with the person they love. In Part 3 of the LipidCurious ASCVD Risk Stratification mini-series, we move from categorizing risk to taking action. Because risk scores don’t prevent events, decisions do.   In this episode, we cover: 1. What treatment targets are we actually aiming for? 2. How to choose LDL-C-lowering therapies strategically? 3. What does the future of ASCVD prevention look like? Bonus: An easy-to-follow visual guide [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ztbloxw7eToCzQBwMGGta1yt-mCtTtuo/view?usp=sharing] to help you navigate ASCVD Risk Stratification. Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠ [https://learnatpinnacle.com/education]to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!  Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes for clinicians and healthcare professionals. It does not provide medical advice, establish a physician–patient relationship, or replace individualized clinical judgment. The opinions expressed are those of the creator and do not represent the views of any affiliated institutions or organizations.

ASCVD Risk Stratification Series (Part 2/3): Using Risk Scores & Enhancers Without Getting Lost in Them [Pre-2026 Guidelines]

Note: This episode reflects pre-2026 dyslipidemia guidelines. Some recommendations may no longer align with current guidelines.  ASCVD risk stratification gets messy fast—especially when calculators, risk enhancers, and coronary calcium scores all compete for attention. In Part 2 of the LipidCurious ASCVD Risk Stratification mini-series, we focus on how to use these tools without overcomplicating primary prevention or getting lost in the details. In this episode, we cover: 1. A practical, age-first framework for approaching primary prevention 2. How to use ASCVD risk calculators, risk enhancers, and coronary calcium score—and when not to 3. How to apply this framework consistently in real-world clinical practice Bonus: Two quick cases—including one where guidelines don’t fit perfectly—and a short, actionable challenge you can start using immediately in clinic. Join the Learn at Pinnacle app ⁠ [https://learnatpinnacle.com/education]to earn FREE CE Credit for listening to this episode!  Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes for clinicians and healthcare professionals. It does not provide medical advice, establish a physician–patient relationship, or replace individualized clinical judgment. The opinions expressed are those of the creator and do not represent the views of any affiliated institutions or organizations.