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
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
The LDL Paradox: High Can Be Harmless, Normal Can Harm He wasn’t exactly a poster child for heart health. He loved steak, hated vegetables, and didn’t care much for doctors. His LDL-cholesterol hovered around 200 mg/dL (5.17 mmol/L) for most of his adult life. Yet, at age 88, his arteries were clean—and his mind sharper … Read more
He’s just poured his first cup of coffee. The house is quiet; the day just beginning. A minute ago, he noticed a light sweat along his back — strange but easy to ignore. Then it hits. A tightness in his chest, deep and growing. A wave of nausea. His skin turns cold and clammy. He … Read more
For years, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) has been considered the main culprit in heart disease. The common belief is that high levels of LDL-C clog up arteries, leading to heart attacks and strokes. This idea has driven medical experts to focus on lowering LDL-C as much as possible, often using medications like statins. However, as … Read more