This interview podcast focuses on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), the leading cause of death globally. The discussion begins by defining ASCVD and explaining its pathophysiology, highlighting the role of cholesterol deposition in artery walls and the two ways this can lead to heart attacks: gradual occlusion and plaque rupture. The conversation then covers modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, including age, genetics (like LP(a)), smoking, hypertension, insulin resistance, and chronic kidney disease. Finally, the hosts delve into the role of apoB, lipoproteins, and the impact of nutrition (saturated fat and triglycerides) on lipid levels, emphasizing the importance of lowering apoB levels for cardiovascular health. The use of non-HDL cholesterol as a secondary metric is suggested to assess potential remnant VLDL particles.
