About this episode

Dr. Joel Kahn discusses the impact of inflammation on cardiovascular risk in patients with high Lp(a) and reviews various inflammation tests and recent health research.

This week, Dr. Joel Kahn explores important new research showing how elevated inflammation, measured by Interleukin-6 (IL-6), may dramatically increase cardiovascular risk in people with high Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a). He explains why IL-6 is emerging as an important biomarker and reviews the other inflammation tests he routinely uses at the Kahn Center, including hs-CRP, MPO, Lp-PLA2, NT-proBNP, fibrinogen, ferritin, the sedimentation rate, and the white blood cell count. Dr. Kahn also discusses Lilly's newly approved oral weight loss medication, the ABCDEF framework for cardiovascular prevention, the growing evidence linking erectile dysfunction and sleep apnea to heart disease, new research on cannabis use and coronary artery plaque, and intriguing early findings on creatine's potential role in supporting the immune system and anti-tumor activity. Finally, thanks to this week's sponsor, the Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Club. Visit getfreshDrKahn.com to take advantage of their special introductory offer and experience the health benefits of fresh, polyphenol-rich olive oil.

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Joel Kahn

Topics covered

• inflammation
• cardiovascular risk
• Lipoprotein(a)
• biomarkers
• weight loss medication
• erectile dysfunction
• cannabis research

Keywords

• inflammation
• IL-6
• hs-CRP
• cardiovascular prevention
• erectile dysfunction
• cannabis
• creatine
• weight loss
• biomarkers

Sponsors

Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Club

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Kahn Center, Lilly

Products: Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Club

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• Episode 501: The Surprising Science of Gratitude and Heart Health · June 23, 2026 · 28 min
• Episode 500: The Long Path to Building an Integrative Cardiology Practice · June 16, 2026 · 31 min
• Episode 499: Why ApoB Could Be the Most Important Heart Health Test You're Missing · June 9, 2026 · 30 min

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