Because Good Medicine Deserves Better Explanations
In cardiovascular medicine, some numbers are sacred. LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) has long been the cornerstone of risk assessment and treatment targets. But what if we’ve been following the wrong number? This updated article revisits and expands on a piece I wrote in 2021 — enriched by new evidence, deeper clinical insights, and a clearer understanding of … Read more
It’s called Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a) for short. And if you haven’t had it measured, you’re not alone—most people haven’t. In fact, most of you may have never heard of it. It’s not part of a standard lipid panel. It doesn’t show up in routine check-ups. And yet, one in five people carry levels so high … Read more
Coronary calcium score is a simple, non-invasive scan that reveals hidden plaque and helps predict your risk of heart disease. Your cholesterol may look perfect. You may feel healthy. But silently, beneath the surface, plaque can build inside your coronary arteries — and you’d never know it. That’s where the coronary calcium score (CAC score) … Read more
In the winter of 1906, somewhere north of the Arctic Circle, a young explorer named Vilhjalmur Stefansson sat cross-legged in an igloo, surrounded by Inuit hunters. Outside, the wind cut like a knife, shrieking across the frozen plain. Inside, the flickering light of seal oil lamps cast dancing shadows on the snow-packed walls. The air … Read more
I initially set out to write a straightforward blog post explaining what it means when a doctor says you have a 50% coronary artery blockage. It’s a topic that often confuses patients and clinicians, and I thought a clear explanation would be helpful. But as I began drafting, I realized that listing percentages and medical … Read more