Show 1053: How to Have a Healthy Heart

There is considerable confusion over cholesterol and its connection to heart health and longevity. Should cholesterol be lowered at all costs? We'll discuss the evidence for and against focusing on cholesterol. We also get good advice on the best lifestyle practices for maintaining a healthy heart.

What Are the Benefits and Risks of Statin Drugs?

One of the principal methods for getting cholesterol under control is to take a statin drug. Why are statins so popular? What are their benefits and risks? Both our expert guests recommend that patients and doctors discuss their pros and cons if a statin is prescribed. You'll be better prepared for that discussion after listening to their thoughtful opinions.

This Week's Guests:

Sidney C. Smith, Jr., MD, is Professor of Medicine at the University of North Carolina. He is a past president of the American Heart Association and he chaired the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association committee that drew up Guidelines on Secondary Prevention. He has also served on or chaired numerous other guideline committees and task forces. For example, he was Chair of the Executive Committee for the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) Integrated Guidelines for the prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Robert DuBroff, MD, recently retired from his position as associate professor of medicine in the Division of Cardiology at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM. He is board-certified in internal medicine and cardiology and has a specialty in lipidology.