Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn

Can a simple gratitude practice improve your heart health? This week, Dr. Kahn explores the growing science linking gratitude to better well-being, improved sleep, lower inflammation, and even enhanced cardiac function. He shares his own gratitude practices and offers practical ways to incorporate them into daily life. Also covered in this episode: how adherence to Life's Essential 8 is associated with longevity, even among the ultra-elderly; the importance of identifying cholesterol hyperabsorbers; the connection between obesity and cancer risk; the relationship between sleep apnea and Lipoprotein(a); why strength training is especially important for women; and the link between hypothyroidism and elevated homocysteine levels. Thanks to IGENNUS for their support of this episode, featuring their vegan Pro-Collagen Powder. Learn more at igennus.com/drkahn.

In Episode 499, Dr. Joel Kahn explores the growing importance of apolipoprotein B (ApoB) testing as a powerful tool for assessing cardiovascular risk. He reviews new research highlighting why ApoB may provide a more complete picture of atherosclerosis risk than traditional cholesterol measurements alone and explains how it relates to LDL-C and Lp(a). Dr. Kahn also discusses several noteworthy studies in preventive medicine and longevity, including research linking GLP-1 medications to lower cancer risk, the potential DNA-protective effects of melatonin, and new findings on stroke and clot prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. Additional topics include the relationship between very low Lp(a) levels and diabetes risk, the benefits of organic produce for breast cancer prevention, Pilates training for blood pressure management, and the connection between processed meat consumption and gastrointestinal cancers. The episode concludes with a look at Endothelin-1 (ET-1), an important marker involved in vascular health and cardiovascular disease, along with a discussion of Vinia grape powder and its potential role in lowering ET-1 levels. Thanks to Igennus.com and their Triple Vitamin K Complex using the discount code DrKahn

In this episode of HeartDoc VIP, Dr. Joel Kahn breaks down the newly released — but not yet fully published — results from the highly anticipated Triumph-1 study on retatrutide, an investigational weight loss medication that's already generating major buzz in the cardiometabolic world. The reported weight loss results at 80 and 104 weeks are remarkable, with side effects appearing consistent with other medications in this class, including semaglutide and tirzepatide. Dr. Kahn discusses what's known so far, what questions still remain, and why the full peer-reviewed publication is so important before drawing final conclusions on risks and benefits. FDA approval may not be far away. Other topics in this packed episode include the troubling rise in fatal heart attacks among younger adults, a modified Mediterranean diet linked to lower diabetes risk, the connection between food preservatives and heart disease, atrial fibrillation in athletes, nitric oxide's role in brain health, fatty liver disease and cardiovascular risk, and how the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 score may predict diabetes risk in women. Thanks to Igennus for sponsoring this episode. Visit their site and use promo code DRKAHN to save on high-quality supplements.

This week, Joel Kahn, MD, dives into fascinating new research on aged garlic extract and its potential role in healthy aging, muscle function, and cardiovascular wellness. He reviews a recent study showing how aged garlic extract improved muscle and aging markers in mice while also activating the NAMPT pathway in humans, which may help boost NAD+ production. Dr. Kahn also breaks down several newer studies highlighting the cardiovascular benefits of aged garlic extract, a supplement he's used at the Kahn Center for more than a decade. He discusses the specific Kyolic formula available here: Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract Additional topics include dietary nitrates from greens and nitric oxide production, the Mediterranean diet and longevity, high-intensity interval training and heart health, visual acuity and lifespan, plant-based diets and breast cancer outcomes, and the connection between poor sleep and survival rates. This episode is brought to you by VINIA and their line of heart-supporting products.

This week, Dr. Kahn discusses his current health challenge: a leaky mitral valve due to mitral valve prolapse, a condition of unknown cause that is unrelated to lifestyle or diet. He reviews data on mitral valve surgery, comparing repair to replacement, as well as the current availability of robotic surgery and its advantages. He plans to keep the Heart Doc VIP community updated on his status and is feeling great day to day. Short topics this week include wine, olive oil, plant-based diets for breast cancer, Life's Essential 8, the health of babies raised in vegan families, and new data on Lipoprotein(a). Thanks to Igennus. Use the discount code DRKAHN at igennus.com .

This week, Dr. Kahn breaks down a new paper examining the risks and reported side effects of statins—including the surprising finding that placebo alone is linked to many of the same symptoms. He also covers an oral PCSK9 inhibitor currently under study and what it could mean for cholesterol management. The episode then dives into the latest research on emerging therapies designed to lower lipoprotein(a), including a real-world case study that highlights where this rapidly evolving field is headed. Shorter discussions include heart disease at a young age, why so many patients fail to reach blood pressure treatment goals, aspirin use one year after AFib ablation, skeletal muscle as an endothelial stabilizer, and why exercise variety may be one of the most powerful risk reducers we have. Thanks to WellBean for sponsoring the show. Save on their delicious bean-based products at wellbean.life with code DrKahn15. Dr. Kahn will also be leading a free online seminar on cholesterol on February 17, 2026 at 7 PM EST with Forks Over Knives. Register HERE.

In this bonus episode, Dr. Kahn sits down with his longtime friend TJ Robinson, founder of the Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Club and self-described "olive oil hunter." TJ has made it his life's mission to track down the freshest, highest-quality extra virgin olive oils in the world — often straight from small producers in Europe and South America — and get them shipped to the U.S. as quickly as possible. The conversation dives into what most people don't realize about olive oil: how freshness impacts flavor, health benefits, and antioxidant levels, and why the oil sitting on a grocery store shelf may not be doing your heart any favors. TJ explains how he sources each harvest, what separates truly exceptional olive oil from the rest, and why timing is everything when it comes to preserving polyphenols and taste. Dr. Kahn and TJ also discuss why extra virgin olive oil remains one of the healthiest dietary staples available, especially for cardiovascular health, and how consumers can avoid misleading labels and outdated products. Listeners can sample the latest Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Club release for just $1 shipping by visiting getfreshDRKAHN.com . If you prefer to watch the conversation, the full video interview is available on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=AZP64Au_j5M

This week, Dr. Kahn dives into four new research papers on omega-3 fatty acids and their impact on heart and brain health. The discussion highlights several eye-opening findings, including reduced atrial fibrillation risk and improved cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Dr. Kahn also explains how omega-3 intake supports brain health and why the "right" dose depends on the specific condition being addressed. Food sources, fish oil, algae-based supplements, and ahiflower are compared as practical ways to reach optimal omega-3 levels. Additional topics in this episode include newly approved AI software for early detection of heart disease, the role of statins in patients with type 2 diabetes, the science—and hype—around NAD+ boosters, and emerging data on Prolon fasting for Crohn's disease. Dr. Kahn also reviews concerning research on heart rhythm risks associated with high-intensity endurance exercise in athletes over the age of 50. As always, the episode blends cutting-edge research with real-world clinical insight to help clarify what actually matters for long-term heart health. Thanks to The Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Club — get a bottle for $1 at getfreshDRKAHN.com. More About This Episode This episode takes a deeper look at why omega-3 blood levels matter more than simply taking a supplement. Dr. Kahn reviews large population studies linking higher omega-3 levels to lower risks of atrial fibrillation, early-onset dementia, and major cardiovascular events, including in high-risk groups such as patients on hemodialysis. The key takeaway: testing omega-3 status and personalizing intake may be far more effective than a one-size-fits-all approach. Beyond omega-3s, Dr. Kahn explores several timely and surprising topics, including AI-enhanced CT scan technology designed to detect silent heart disease without additional radiation, real-world data on statin benefits in patients with type 2 diabetes, and why costly NAD+ supplements may ultimately function as a form of vitamin B3. The episode also examines new evidence on fasting-mimicking diets for Crohn's disease and potential heart rhythm risks in high-level endurance athletes over 50. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Kahn emphasizes practical, evidence-based steps patients can review with their physicians, including omega-3 blood testing, coronary calcium scoring, and tailoring lifestyle and supplement strategies to individual risk factors.