What Causes Soft Plaque in Arteries and How To Reverse It

What Causes Soft Plaque in Arteries and How To Reverse It

Can you really reverse heart artery disease? In this episode, Dr. Robert Todd Hurst, MD, FACC, FASE, shares the remarkable story of a HealthspanMD member who thought he was doing everything right. Despite taking a statin, maintaining healthy blood pressure, staying active, and keeping his blood sugar under control, advanced imaging revealed he was still accumulating dangerous soft plaque in his coronary arteries. Dr. Hurst explains how plaque composition analysis works, why traditional cholesterol targets may not be enough for some people, and what happened when they implemented a more personalized strategy focused on achieving exceptional cardiovascular results. Today's guest is a HealthspanMD member with a strong family history of heart disease who was committed to protecting his heart health. After advanced CT angiography revealed significant soft plaque progression despite years of following conventional recommendations, he partnered with Dr. Robert Todd Hurst, MD, FACC, FASE, and the HealthspanMD team to take a more proactive, personalized approach. One year later, his results demonstrated what may be possible when root causes are identified and risk factors are optimized. Key Timestamps 00:03 – The patient's frustration despite doing everything "right." 00:45 – Understanding CT angiography and plaque composition analysis 01:32 – The concerning findings revealed by advanced imaging 02:15 – Why LDL goals below traditional guidelines may matter 03:00 – The strategy used to aggressively lower ApoB and LDL cholesterol 03:25 – One year later: the repeat CT angiogram results 03:45 – Soft plaque volume cut by more than half 04:00 – Low attenuation plaque reduced to zero 04:25 – What Dr. Hurst is seeing in patients with repeat plaque analysis testing 05:00 – Why guideline cholesterol targets may not be enough for everyone 05:35 – The seven root causes of coronary artery disease 06:05 – Lowering the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and dementia 06:45 – Can soft plaque disappear completely over time? 07:15 – Why proactive, personalized healthcare produces better outcomes 08:00 – The HealthspanMD philosophy for preventing and reversing heart disease Topics Discussed * Reversing coronary artery disease * Soft plaque vs calcified plaque * CT angiography with plaque composition analysis * ApoB and LDL cholesterol targets * Coronary artery disease prevention * Personalized cardiovascular medicine * Root causes of heart disease * Plaque regression * Heart attack prevention * Healthspan-focused healthcare   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

The Cardiologist Who Hasn't Seen a Heart Attack in His Practice Since 2007

What if heart disease wasn't bad luck, but bad planning? In this episode, Dr. Robert Todd Hurst, MD, FACC, FASE joins Carrie Camp and Hal Kramer of the Thrive at Home community for an honest conversation about what it really takes to prevent heart disease, stay independent as you age, and add healthy, vibrant years to your life. A Mayo Clinic–trained preventive cardiologist, Dr. Hurst shares why he left a system he describes as built to react to disease rather than prevent it, including the leadership meeting where, after he showed how prevention could stop heart attacks, stents, and bypass surgeries, a colleague asked, "But isn't that how we make money?" Together they dig into the questions people are quietly wondering about themselves: the truth about statins (who genuinely benefits and who may not), why insulin resistance may be the single biggest problem in healthcare, what "normal" cholesterol numbers can hide, and how high blood pressure quietly drives stroke and dementia. Dr. Hurst also explains the seven root causes of artery disease, why care that treats everyone the same so often misses the real driver, and how the right plan can stabilize and even reverse disease that's already present. If you've been told your labs "look fine," you're caring for an aging loved one, or you simply refuse to leave your heart health to chance, this conversation offers a clearer, more proactive path forward. Robert Todd Hurst, MD, FACC, FASE is a board-certified preventive cardiologist and founder of HealthspanMD. With nearly 30 years in medicine, including two decades at Mayo Clinic, he's dedicated his career to preventing and reversing heart disease through a personalized, root-cause approach helping people avoid preventable disease, stay strong, and remain mentally sharp for life. Learn more: HealthspanMD.com

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