Preventative Cardiology with Dr. Matthew Budoff: Rational Wellness Podcast 434

View the Show Notes For This Episode

Dr. Matthew Budoff discusses Preventative Cardiology with moderator Dr. Ben Weitz at the Functional Medicine Discussion Group meeting on September 25, 2025.  This was the second annual Dr. Howard Elkin memorial Preventative Cardiology lecture.

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Podcast Highlights

Functional Medicine, Preventative Cardiology, and the Latest in Supplement Research with Dr. Matthew Budoff

 

In this episode of the Rational Wellness Podcast, Dr. Ben Weitz discusses the latest advancements in functional medicine and preventative cardiology. He hosts Dr. Matthew Budoff, a preventative cardiologist and published researcher, to delve into heart scans, the significance of lipids, and alternative therapies for managing cardiovascular health. Dr. Budoff covers a range of topics including the benefits of Bempadoic acid, the impact of testosterone on heart disease, the efficacy of fish oils, and the potential of aged garlic extract for slowing coronary calcium progression. They discuss studies on red rice yeast, citrus bergamot, and the mechanisms of various supplements in managing cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular risks. The episode also touches on the implications of iron and nitric oxide levels on heart health.

 

00:00 Introduction to the Rational Wellness Podcast

00:26 Functional Medicine Discussion Group Overview

01:40 Remembering Dr. Howard Elkin

02:10 Introduction to Dr. Matthew Budoff

02:30 Understanding Cardiovascular Scans

03:04 The Importance of Lipids in Cardiovascular Health

05:46 Alternative Lipid-Lowering Therapies

12:13 The Role of EPA in Cardiovascular Health

21:13 Testosterone and Cardiovascular Risks

25:59 Garlic Supplements for Heart Health

33:51 Garlic's Impact on Calcium Regression

34:08 Dosage and Tolerance of Garlic Supplements

35:10 Clinical Trials and Blood Pressure Benefits

36:30 Historical and Modern Uses of Garlic

37:06 Comparing Garlic Forms and Consistency

41:15 Red Yeast Rice and Its Benefits

47:08 The Role of Niacin and Other Supplements

49:12 Chelation Therapy and Other Treatments

49:40 The Importance of Prevention in Cardiology

50:19 Endothelial Health and Natural Compounds

53:00 CT Angiograms and Plaque Analysis

01:00:11 Iron Levels and Heart Disease

01:02:22 Conclusion and Podcast Information

 

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Dr. Matthew Budoff is a professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Program Director and Director of Cardiac-CT, Division of Cardiology, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and he is an investigator with The Lundquist Institute https://lundquist.org/matthew-budoff-md.  Dr. Budoff’s research is devoted to advancing procedures that can help doctors identify patients early that are at high-risk for cardiac events and progression of atherosclerosis. This early detection can lead to patients being placed on the correct therapeutic path to prevent a heart attack. Additionally, Dr. Budoff’s research focuses on determining the effect of different therapies on atherosclerosis and determine if heart disease can be reversed. His office is in Torrance, California and his office number is 310-222-2773.

Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure.  Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.