Episode 501: The Surprising Science of Gratitude and Heart Health

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

Episode 498: Do You Want a One and Done Cholesterol Infusion? The Long Road Ahead

Dr. Joel Kahn dives into a groundbreaking Phase 1 trial of Verve 102, a one-time intravenous gene-editing treatment that silences the PCSK9 gene to produce lasting LDL cholesterol reduction. Among 35 participants, the high-dose group saw LDL drop by 62% with mostly mild side effects — promising results, though Phase 2 and 3 trials and 15 years of follow-up still lie ahead. Also covered: updated colorectal cancer screening guidelines now starting at age 45, healthy lifestyle habits cutting mortality risk in cancer survivors by one-third, real-world weight regain data after stopping GLP-1 medications, why your B12 "normal" range may be too low, a blood test that may predict Alzheimer's years in advance, and a longevity preparedness tool from MIT AgeLab. Sponsored by Igennus — visit igennus.com/drkahn [https://www.igennus.com/drkahn] for 20% off.

Episode 497: Retatrutide Delivers Stunning Weight Loss Results In Triumph-1 Study

In this episode of HeartDoc VIP, Dr. Joel Kahn breaks down the newly released — but not yet fully published — results from the highly anticipated Triumph-1 study on retatrutide, an investigational weight loss medication that's already generating major buzz in the cardiometabolic world. The reported weight loss results at 80 and 104 weeks are remarkable, with side effects appearing consistent with other medications in this class, including semaglutide and tirzepatide. Dr. Kahn discusses what's known so far, what questions still remain, and why the full peer-reviewed publication is so important before drawing final conclusions on risks and benefits. FDA approval may not be far away. Other topics in this packed episode include the troubling rise in fatal heart attacks among younger adults, a modified Mediterranean diet linked to lower diabetes risk, the connection between food preservatives and heart disease, atrial fibrillation in athletes, nitric oxide's role in brain health, fatty liver disease and cardiovascular risk, and how the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 score may predict diabetes risk in women. Thanks to Igennus [https://igennus.com/] for sponsoring this episode. Visit their site and use promo code DRKAHN to save on high-quality supplements.