Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn

This week on Heart Doc VIP, Dr. Joel Kahn takes a fresh look at niacin (vitamin B3) therapy and its role in managing cholesterol and Lipoprotein(a). He reviews both classic and recent research, explains why many clinicians have moved away from niacin, and then walks through data that suggest it may still have value when used thoughtfully and selectively. Dr. Kahn also shares a real-world case study highlighting how niacin can be effective when carefully monitored. In the episode's shorter segments, Dr. Kahn covers a wide range of timely topics, including the relationship between orange juice and heart disease, the link between uterine fibroids and cardiovascular risk, and why achieving remission from pre-diabetes matters more than ever. He also explores research on polyphenol-rich Tartary buckwheat and its potential connection to slower aging, as well as new findings on statin use and muscle strength.  As always, the episode blends evidence-based medicine with practical insights you can apply to your own heart-health journey.  Sponsor:  Thanks to koyah.com/KAHN10 — check out their excellent product line and save with the code KAHN10.

This week, Dr. Joel Kahn dives into a timely topic: how cold weather affects heart health. He breaks down why snow shoveling can put extra stress on the heart, what warning signs to watch for, and the simple steps anyone can take to stay safe — especially when the risks can include sudden cardiac events. He also covers a grab-bag of fascinating updates, including new insights on Lipoprotein(a) and blood type, how kimchi may support immune health, what plant-based diets mean for muscle, the link between beer bellies and heart disease, and a look at President Trump's recent heart check-up.  Special thanks to therasage.com — use code DRKAHN20 for discounts on products like the TheraPro Pad, one of Dr. Kahn's go-to wellness tools.

This week, Dr. Kahn breaks down new research on erectile dysfunction (ED) as an early warning sign—a "canary in the coal mine"—for heart disease and cardiovascular events, including mortality. He also discusses the emerging role of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and highlights new findings suggesting that ED medications like Viagra and Cialis may reduce all-cause mortality and potentially lower the risk of dementia. Additional topics include the connection between sleep apnea and Parkinson's disease, how skipping breakfast may raise cholesterol levels, the impact of high-polyphenol diets on resting heart rate, tai chi for improving sleep, alternate-day fasting, updates on the Watchman device, and new approaches to treating carotid artery disease. This week, Dr. Kahn also highlights the Echo Flask—an elegant way to make hydrogen-rich water. You can order one at echowater.com for a discount.

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving week. In this episode, Dr. Kahn breaks down the latest science on eating for longevity and overall health. He covers everything from high-protein versus plant-based diets to antioxidants, high-fat diets and Alzheimer's risk, red meat and inflammation, and how vegan diets support a lower carbon footprint. Short topics this week include new data on smoking and mortality, the link between gum disease and erectile dysfunction, and emerging research on microplastics and their potential role in atherosclerosis.  Dr. Kahn also shares insights from three recent patients at the Kahn Center.  Thank you to tryauri.com/DRKAHN for supporting the show with their high-quality mushroom gummies and elixirs.

This week, Dr. Kahn provides details on presentations just made and published at the annual scientific meeting of the American Heart Association in New Orleans. Topics include a polypill for heart failure, coffee for atrial fibrillation, an oral PCSK9 inhibitor, beta-blockers after heart attacks, gene editing to lower cholesterol, and the use of PCSK9 inhibitors (Repatha) in a randomized trial of patients at risk for heart attack and stroke.  Dr. Kahn also reviews the role of lycopene in preventing prostate cancer (think tomatoes), colchicine in heart patients, the power of combining statins with ezetimibe, earlier mitral valve repairs, and new data suggesting that drugs like tadalafil (Cialis) may reduce the risk of death and dementia.  Dr. Kahn thanks tryauri.com/drkahn for their support and discount for listeners of Heart Doc VIP.