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 check-up.

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.

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.

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.

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.