BONUS Episode: Dr. Michael Greger on Diet, Heart Disease & Rethinking Stents
Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn
Release Date: 07/18/2025
Episode 473: Top Cardiology Topics of 2025 — A Great Year
Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn
This week, Dr. Kahn shares his curated list of the top advances in heart research from 2025. He highlights key insights and perspectives from Drs. Kim Williams and Noel Merz, along with important updates from the American Heart Association. Dr. Kahn also reviews a newly published research paper on the 5-day Fasting Mimicking Diet (PROLON), including the first human evidence showing activation of autophagy. Learn what this could mean for metabolic and cardiovascular health. PROLON is available at . Thanks to and their nattokinase product, Flow, for supporting the show. Wishing...
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Episode 472: Is There Any Role for Niacin Therapy?
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...
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Episode 471: Everything About Cold Weather, Snow Shoveling, and the Heart
Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn
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...
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Episode 470: New Data on the Canary in the Coal Mine (Erectile Dysfunction)
Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn
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...
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Episode 469: What to Eat on Thanksgiving and Why
Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn
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...
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Episode 468: A Trip to the American Heart Association Meeting 2025
Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn
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...
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Episode 467: Is Melatonin Use a Risk for Heart Health?
Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn
This week, Dr. Kahn breaks down new research presented at the American Heart Association linking melatonin use to congestive heart failure. Should you be concerned? He shares his expert perspective. Also in this episode: aspirin use in diabetes, fruit’s role in Parkinson’s disease, how metformin affects exercise results, the impact of heavy metals like mercury on heart health, why daily walking supports “Life’s Essential 8” for Alzheimer’s prevention, new CCTA data proving the benefits of statins, and how marriage might influence aging. Don’t forget to sample some...
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Episode 466: Breakthroughs in Heart Valve Disease Treatment
Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn
This week on Heart Doc VIP, Dr. Joel Kahn reviews the latest advances in treating aortic and mitral valve disease. While prevention remains the cornerstone of heart health, not all valve conditions can be avoided — and many require medical or surgical intervention beyond lifestyle changes. Dr. Kahn brings you up to date on the newest valve therapies and what they mean for patients. Short topics this week include semaglutide’s effects on the heart, the connection between gum disease and brain health, the media’s role in shaping medical news, the healthiest antidote to sitting, stem cells...
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Bonus: Episode 465 – Dr. William Hsu on Putting Type 2 Diabetes Into Remission with Fasting
Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn
In this bonus episode, Dr. Kahn sits down with Dr. William Hsu, Chief Medical Officer at L-Nutra (Prolon) and former Harvard Medical School faculty member, for a fascinating look at how fasting can help put Type 2 diabetes into remission. Dr. Hsu explains why muscle mass is crucial for managing diabetes — it’s where glucose gets absorbed — and how the Fasting Mimicking Diet (just five days a month for six or more months) can lead to incredible results. The program not only supports blood sugar control but also helps preserve muscle and target belly fat, which is exactly what you want...
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Episode 464: Is Lead in Protein Powders a Major Concern for You?
Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn
This week, Dr. Kahn dives into new research linking plant-based diets to both a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and improved control in type 1 diabetes. (Fun fact: even eating one juicy mango a day can help with blood sugar control!) He also tackles the recent Consumer Reports headlines about lead in protein powders, explaining why the use of California’s Prop 65 limits may have exaggerated the concern compared to what most health experts believe. Finally, Dr. Kahn reviews new data on Lipoprotein(a) and heart health—including one fascinating study that connects risk levels to waist...
info_outlineIn this special bonus episode, Dr. Joel Kahn welcomes the legendary Dr. Michael Greger—founder of NutritionFacts.org and bestselling author of How Not to Die.
Together, they explore how a whole food, plant-based diet can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. They also dig into the surprising downside of statin medications and their link to rising blood sugar levels, as well as whether stents truly help outside of emergency situations like heart attacks.
It’s an eye-opening conversation packed with science, practical tips, and a fresh look at how we approach heart health.