Ep. 13 - Understanding PCSK9 Inhibitors for Cholesterol-Lowering: Men's health Preventative Screening Guide

07/09/24 • 12 min

Dr. Craig Walker and Terry Roberts discuss a new class of injectable cholesterol-lowering drugs called PCSK9 inhibitors. These medications provide an additional option for lowering LDL ("bad") cholesterol beyond statin therapy alone.
Dr. Walker explains how PCSK9 normally works to block the recycling of LDL receptors in the liver, preventing further removal of LDL from the bloodstream. Two PCSK9 inhibitor drugs, Repatha and Praluent, use monoclonal antibodies to bind to PCSK9 instead, allowing LDL receptors to function properly and clear more LDL.
Viewers will learn about the mechanism of action of PCSK9 inhibitors and how they can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk by optimizing cholesterol levels.
Key Points:

Introduction of PCSK9 inhibitors as a new class of injectable cholesterol-lowering drugs
Explanation of how the PCSK9 protein works to block LDL receptor recycling in the liver
Mechanism of action of PCSK9 inhibitor monoclonal antibodies like Repatha and Praluent
Ability of PCSK9 inhibitors to further lower LDL cholesterol beyond statin therapy alone
Potential role in optimizing cholesterol management and reducing cardiovascular risk

For more information, visit:
Facebook Page: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558432490919
www.cardio.com

Introduction of PCSK9 inhibitors as a new class of injectable cholesterol-lowering drugs
Explanation of how the PCSK9 protein works to block LDL receptor recycling in the liver
Mechanism of action of PCSK9 inhibitor monoclonal antibodies like Repatha and Praluent
Ability of PCSK9 inhibitors to further lower LDL cholesterol beyond statin therapy alone
Potential role in optimizing cholesterol management and reducing cardiovascular risk

For more information, visit:
Facebook Page: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558432490919
www.cardio.com

Previous Episode

Ep. 12 - Understanding Cholesterol-Lowering Medications: Men's health Preventative Screening Guide

Join Dr. Craig Walker as he provides an in-depth look at cholesterol-lowering medications, with a focus on statins. In this informative discussion, Dr. Walker breaks down the science behind these life-saving drugs, explaining how they work to reduce cholesterol production and increase its removal from the body. Learn about the two main types of statins, their differences, and why they're crucial for heart health. Dr. Walker addresses common misconceptions, discusses potential side effects like muscle aches, and offers practical advice on managing them. Discover why there's no such thing as "too low" LDL cholesterol and how regular monitoring can help optimize your treatment. Whether you're currently taking statins or considering them, this video provides valuable insights into one of the most important tools in fighting cardiovascular disease.
Key points:
• Statins are the most common cholesterol-lowering medications
• They work by reducing cholesterol production and increasing its removal
• The biggest side effect of statins is increased life expectancy
• Muscle aches are a common side effect, but can often be managed
• There's no such thing as "too low" LDL cholesterol
• Regular blood tests are important for monitoring cholesterol levels
• Statins are generally safe and effective for most patients
For more information, visit:
Facebook Page: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558432490919
www.cardio.com

Next Episode

Ep. 14 - Understanding & Managing High Blood Pressure: Men's health Preventative Screening Guide

In this in-depth podcast, cardiologist Dr. Craig Walker provides a thorough overview of high blood pressure (hypertension) - one of the leading risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Dr. Walker explains what blood pressure is and why it's important to control. He discusses the various causes of high blood pressure, including both primary (essential) hypertension as well as secondary causes related to underlying medical conditions. Dr. Walker stresses the importance of evaluating patients to determine if high blood pressure has a reversible medical cause. He also covers the risks of uncontrolled high blood pressure, symptoms of hypertensive crisis, lifestyle factors like salt intake, and non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment approaches. This educational podcast is ideal for anyone looking to gain a better understanding of high blood pressure from a cardiologist's perspective.
Key points discussed in the podcast:

Definition of blood pressure and the two numbers typically reported
Normal blood pressure ranges and the goal of having the lowest possible blood pressure without symptoms
Primary/essential vs secondary causes of high blood pressure
Examples of secondary causes like renal artery stenosis, pheochromocytoma, Cushing's syndrome, coarctation of the aorta
Risks of uncontrolled high blood pressure like heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney damage
Evaluation steps the cardiologist takes when a patient presents with high blood pressure, including checking for secondary causes
Hypertensive crisis and the need to rapidly lower blood pressure in symptomatic patients
Importance of medications that don't interfere with treating an underlying secondary cause
Role of salt/sodium intake and how it can raise blood pressure by increasing fluid retention

For more information, visit:
Facebook Page: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558432490919
www.cardio.com