Why I Told This Patient NOT to Get A Stent Even With A Severe LAD Blockage

Why I Told This Patient NOT to Get A Stent Even With A Severe LAD Blockage

A severe blockage in the "widowmaker" artery sounds like an automatic trip to the cath lab but is it always? In this episode, Dr. Robert Todd Hurst, MD, FACC, FASE shares a remarkable real-world case that challenges conventional thinking about stents and heart disease treatment. He explains the difference between stable and unstable coronary artery disease, reviews the research behind stents versus aggressive medical therapy, and reveals how one patient with a severe LAD blockage improved his artery health without undergoing an invasive procedure. You'll also learn why understanding root causes, optimizing risk factors, and taking a personalized approach to prevention may be more important than many people realize. About Dr. Robert Todd Hurst, MD, FACC, FASE Dr. Robert Todd Hurst, MD, FACC, FASE is a board-certified preventive cardiologist, former Mayo Clinic physician, and founder of HealthspanMD. His mission is simple: that no one dies of a heart attack, ever. Through a proactive, precision-medicine approach, he helps patients identify hidden cardiovascular risk, reverse heart disease, and add strong, vital, mentally sharp years to life. In this podcast, he shares practical insights from more than two decades of experience helping people prevent and overcome cardiovascular disease. Key Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: Do severe blockages always require a stent? 00:27 – Case study: A patient with a severe LAD ("widowmaker") blockage and no symptoms 01:14 – Why stress testing, echocardiograms, and symptoms matter when evaluating blockages 01:39 – What research shows about stents versus aggressive medical therapy for stable coronary artery disease 02:46 – The real risks of angiograms, stents, and invasive procedures 03:36 – Why the patient's condition did not automatically justify a stent 04:15 – Optimizing cholesterol, insulin resistance, and other root causes 04:42 – One year later: Severe blockage improves to moderate stenosis 05:04 – Evidence of plaque regression and why the results matter 05:35 – How cardiology thinking has evolved since the COURAGE trial 06:07 – When stents and bypass surgery may still be the right choice 06:41 – Questions every patient should ask before agreeing to a stent 07:02 – Long-term considerations and risks of living with a stent 07:20 – Why healthcare remains reactive instead of preventive 07:47 – HealthspanMD's mission: Moving from disease treatment to health optimization 08:08 – Final thoughts and invitation to learn more about HealthspanMD 08:34 – Medical disclaimer This episode is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always discuss treatment decisions with your healthcare provider. This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Don't make any decisions about your medical treatment without first talking to your doctor. * Connect* with HealthspanMD : 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthspanmd/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthspanmd/] 👉 https://www.facebook.com/healthspanmd [https://www.facebook.com/healthspanmd] 👉 https://www.instagram.com/healthspanmd/ [https://www.instagram.com/healthspanmd/] 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/5KQuoWqKP2vTBu05ci6EQB?si=fdb033a52b674909 [https://open.spotify.com/show/5KQuoWqKP2vTBu05ci6EQB?si=fdb033a52b674909] 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-healthspan-podcast/id1680270608 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-healthspan-podcast/id1680270608] 🏆 Become a Member / 🤝 Partner With Dr. Hurst and His Expert Team To Add a Decade or More Of Healthy Life At HealthspanMD, we combine cutting-edge medicine, advanced technology, and concierge care to help high-achievers avoid heart attacks, strokes, and dementia. 🔍 Learn how patients add years to their lives by going to 👉 https://www.healthspanmd.com [https://www.healthspanmd.com]. 📅 Or Schedule a Call Directly with a HealthspanMD Dedicated Patient Advisor by clicking 👉 https://join.healthspanmd.com/call [https://join.healthspanmd.com/call]

Hidden Heart Disease Symptoms in Healthy Adults with Claudio

In this powerful episode of the HealthspanMD podcast, Dr. Robert Todd Hurst, MD, FACC, FASE sits down with patient Claudio and Healthspan Strategist Claire to explore what happens when someone who seems “healthy” on the surface discovers serious hidden risks beneath. They discuss high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and undetected coronary artery disease and how early detection, the right guidance, and committed lifestyle changes can completely transform a person’s trajectory. Claudio shares the emotional and physical realities of confronting a life-threatening diagnosis and the mindset shift required to take control of his health. This conversation is both eye-opening and inspiring, highlighting how proactive care, personalized coaching, and accountability can turn fear into action and ultimately into long-term health and vitality. Claudio is a high-performing professional who came to HealthspanMD after struggling with high blood pressure despite maintaining what he believed was a healthy lifestyle. Through advanced testing, he discovered severe underlying cardiovascular disease, including a 90% blockage in a major artery. Since then, Claudio has undergone a remarkable transformation. Losing significant weight, improving key health markers, and embracing a lifelong commitment to health. His story is a powerful example of how early detection and the right support system can change and potentially save a life. Key Timestamps 00:01 – Episode introduction and overview of Claudio’s story 01:00 – Claudio’s initial concerns: high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and weight gain 03:30 – Discovering hidden risks: insulin resistance and early signs of artery disease 05:30 – Stress test results and the turning point toward deeper investigation 07:00 – Heart catheterization reveals significant blockage 08:30 – Emotional impact: fear, job concerns, and facing a serious diagnosis 10:30 – The importance of coaching, guidance, and a team-based approach 11:30 – Transformation results: weight loss, improved fitness, and lifestyle changes 14:30 – The mindset shift: from denial to taking ownership of health 16:00 – “Get busy living” moment and redefining identity as a heart patient 18:00 – Measurable improvements: blood pressure, cholesterol, and long-term risk reduction 20:00 – Why knowledge alone isn’t enough, execution is everything 22:00 – Final reflections and encouragement for listeners to take action   Connect with HealthspanMD: 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthspanmd/ 👉 https://www.facebook.com/healthspanmd 👉 https://www.instagram.com/healthspanmd/ 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/5KQuoWqKP2vTBu05ci6EQB?si=fdb033a52b674909 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-healthspan-podcast/id1680270608 Partner With Dr. Hurst and His Expert Team To Add a Decade or More Of Healthy Life  At HealthspanMD, we combine cutting-edge medicine, advanced technology, and concierge care to help high-achievers avoid heart attacks, strokes, and dementia.    Learn how patients add years to their lives by going to 👉 https://www.healthspanmd.com.  📅 Or Schedule a Call Directly with a HealthspanMD Dedicated Patient Advisor by clicking 👉 https://join.healthspanmd.com/call

What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s with Jeremy Pruzin, MD.

In this highlight episode, Dr. Robert Todd Hurst, MD, FACC, FASE sits down with neurologist Jeremy Pruzin, MD to unpack one of the most common and most misunderstood topics in brain health: the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. They explore how vascular health, protein buildup like amyloid and tau, and lifestyle factors all intersect to influence cognitive decline. The conversation also dives into the concept of “mixed dementia,” why prevention strategies overlap with heart disease, and what actionable steps can significantly reduce risk, especially for those with genetic predispositions like APOE4. Watch the full podcast episode here: https://youtu.be/5hIKmiPNGjA Dr. Pruzin is a Behavioral Neurologist, Dementia Specialist, Alzheimer's Disease Researcher - specializing in cognitive disorders and dementia. He brings deep clinical insight into how brain pathology develops over time, helping patients understand risk, early symptoms, and the evolving landscape of treatment. His approach emphasizes both cutting-edge science and practical, personalized strategies for prevention and care. Connect With Jeremy Pruzin, MD - Behavioral Neurologist, Dementia Specialist, Alzheimer's Disease Researcher Website: https://pacocommunity.com/ Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jeremypruzinmd/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-pruzin-82867615/ Key Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to HealthspanMD Heart Longevity Program 00:40 Overview of episode topics: dementia vs Alzheimer’s 01:10 Prevention strategies and link to heart health 02:19 APOE4 explained and what it means for risk 03:00 Practical lifestyle changes to lower dementia risk 04:30 Life’s Simple 7 and its impact on dementia 05:45 Why heart health and brain health are deeply connected 06:40 Risk-based prevention and treatment strategies 08:00 Medications and emerging therapies for brain health 08:58 Understanding dementia pathology: vascular vs protein causes 09:40 Difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s disease 10:30 What is mixed dementia and why it’s most common 11:20 Rethinking how dementia is categorized 12:30 APOE4 risk levels and implications 13:20 Final thoughts and how to take action with HealthspanMD Connect with HealthspanMD : 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthspanmd/ 👉 https://www.facebook.com/healthspanmd 👉 https://www.instagram.com/healthspanmd/ 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/5KQuoWqKP2vTBu05ci6EQB?si=fdb033a52b674909 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-healthspan-podcast/id1680270608 🏆 Become a Member / 🤝 Partner With Dr. Hurst and His Expert Team To Add a Decade or More Of Healthy Life At HealthspanMD, we combine cutting-edge medicine, advanced technology, and concierge care to help high-achievers avoid heart attacks, strokes, and dementia. 🔍 Learn how patients add years to their lives by going to 👉 [https://www.healthspanmd.com](https://www.healthspanmd.com/) . 📅 Or Schedule a Call Directly with a HealthspanMD Dedicated Patient Advisor by clicking 👉 https://join.healthspanmd.com/call

How to stay strong after 50 and avoid muscle loss with Dr. Selen Courtney

In this episode of the HealthspanMD Podcast, Dr. Robert Todd Hurst, MD, FACC, FASE sits down with Dr. Selen Courtney to explore one of the most overlooked pillars of longevity: physical performance. They dive into how strength, stability, and functional movement play a critical role in preventing frailty, extending healthspan, and maintaining independence as we age. From understanding progressive overload and muscle failure to identifying hidden blind spots like power and balance, this episode offers a practical, science-backed roadmap to staying strong, resilient, and capable for life. Dr. Selen Courtney is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with a unique background in psychology, yoga, orthopedics, and leadership at the Mayo Clinic. Now at HealthspanMD, she focuses on shifting physical therapy from reactive injury care to proactive performance and prevention. Her work centers on helping individuals identify weaknesses early, optimize movement, and build the strength and stability needed to live longer, healthier lives. Key Timestamps 00:00 – Intro and why you don’t need to train to full failure 01:00 – Why avoiding frailty is essential for longevity 02:20 – Dr. Selen Courtney’s background and journey to HealthspanMD 04:40 – Rethinking physical therapy as prevention, not just rehab 06:30 – Why decline accelerates in your 60s and how to prevent it 08:00 – Muscle loss, injury, and the downward spiral of aging 09:20 – Inside the HealthspanMD physical performance assessment 11:30 – How strength, balance, and movement are objectively measured 13:50 – Why “average” isn’t good enough for longevity 15:50 – Common fitness blind spots and imbalanced training 18:20 – Why people gravitate to what they like (and what they neglect) 20:30 – Fixing the reactive, one-size-fits-all fitness model 22:50 – What stability really means (rotator cuff, trunk endurance) 25:10 – Safe strength training principles for longevity 27:30 – Progressive overload and training close to failure explained 29:50 – The importance of protein and recovery for muscle growth 32:00 – Overtraining and why more is not always better 33:50 – What functional movement actually means in real life 34:40 – The physical performance age score explained 36:50 – How data reveals your biggest opportunities 37:00 – Technology used to measure strength, power, and balance 41:30 – The most overlooked blind spot: power training 43:50 – Final advice: start small and build consistency Connect with Dr. Selen Courtney: 👉Instagram: @drselencourtney 👉LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/selen-courtney-76402770/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/selen-courtney-76402770/]   This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Don't make any decisions about your medical treatment without first talking to your doctor. Connect with HealthspanMD : 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthspanmd/ 👉 https://www.facebook.com/healthspanmd 👉 https://www.instagram.com/healthspanmd/ 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/5KQuoWqKP2vTBu05ci6EQB?si=fdb033a52b674909 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-healthspan-podcast/id1680270608 🏆 Become a Member / 🤝 Partner With Dr. Hurst and His Expert Team To Add a Decade or More Of Healthy Life At HealthspanMD, we combine cutting-edge medicine, advanced technology, and concierge care to help high-achievers avoid heart attacks, strokes, and dementia. 🔍 Learn how patients add years to their lives by going to 👉 [https://www.healthspanmd.com](https://www.healthspanmd.com/) 📅 Or Schedule a Call Directly with a HealthspanMD Dedicated Patient Advisor by clicking 👉 https://join.healthspanmd.com/call

Why 90% of Heart Attacks Are Preventable Robert Todd Hurst, MD, FACC, FASE Keynote Speech

In this episode, Robert Todd Hurst, MD, FACC, FASE delivers a powerful and thought-provoking talk on the real drivers of heart disease and why the current healthcare system often misses the mark. Moving beyond traditional medicine, he explores how stress, habits, leadership, and the pace of modern life quietly shape our long-term health. This episode challenges the idea that heart attacks are inevitable and instead presents a compelling case for prevention through a systems-based approach to healthspan. Drawing from decades of experience in preventive cardiology, Dr. Hurst shares personal stories, clinical insights, and groundbreaking data that reveal how up to 90% of heart disease may be preventable. He breaks down the failures of reactive, one-size-fits-all care and introduces a proactive framework focused on identifying root causes, personalizing strategies, and continuously optimizing health.  Key Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and keynote context 00:58 – Heart disease as the modern plague 03:18 – The patient story that changed Dr. Hurst’s career 05:38 – The evidence that 80–90% of heart disease is preventable 07:58 – Why prevention works in real-world practice 10:22 – Failure #1: Reactive, event-driven healthcare 12:37 – Hidden risk and Dr. Hurst’s personal wake-up call 14:59 – Failure #2: One-size-fits-all medicine 17:23 – Personalized care through advanced imaging 19:48 – Failure #3: Disease-focused healthcare 21:46 – The shift from lifespan to healthspan 23:53 – Why preventing disease isn’t enough 26:14 – The 3-step system to prevent heart attacks 28:37 – Understanding risk and root causes 30:53 – The overlooked role of stress and mental health 33:13 – The Healthspan framework and key drivers of longevity 35:38 – Personalizing goals and strategies 38:04 – Defend and optimize approach to long-term health 40:28 – Final thoughts: turning back the clock and ending heart disease Connect with Robert Todd Hurst, MD, FACC, FASE here : 👉Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roberttoddhurst/ 👉LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/longevity-cardiologist/ 👉Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61586086675137 This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Don't make any decisions about your medical treatment without first talking to your doctor. Connect with HealthspanMD : 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/company/healthspanmd/ 👉 https://www.facebook.com/healthspanmd 👉 https://www.instagram.com/healthspanmd/ 👉 https://open.spotify.com/show/5KQuoWqKP2vTBu05ci6EQB?si=fdb033a52b674909 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-healthspan-podcast/id1680270608 🏆 Become a Member / 🤝 Partner With Dr. Hurst and His Expert Team To Add a Decade or More Of Healthy Life At HealthspanMD, we combine cutting-edge medicine, advanced technology, and concierge care to help high-achievers avoid heart attacks, strokes, and dementia. 🔍 Learn how patients add years to their lives by going to 👉 https://www.healthspanmd.com . 📅 Or Schedule a Call Directly with a HealthspanMD Dedicated Patient Advisor by clicking 👉 https://join.healthspanmd.com/call