Ep 12 | Why doctors are obsessed with cholesterol

In this episode Dr. Pri discusses why doctors are obsessed with cholesterolThere are four factors that cause cardiovascular disease - blood pressure, inflammation, insulin, and of course cholesterol. All of these mix in a "plaque" that fills up your artery, and if that plaque bursts then it can cause a blood clot that fills up the rest of the space and then you have a big problem = heart attack or stroke. The first step in the process is injury to the artery wall, then the plaque starts growing, and when it's unstable it might burst. So why are doctors so focused just on cholesterol? Because of those 4 risk factors - blood pressure, inflammation, insulin, and cholesterol, cholesterol contributes to the creation AND growth of the plaque, double trouble. Also, cholesterol is easier to manage and measure than the others, we have lots of meds to lower it. But keep in mind, cholesterol is necessary to give you disease, but it may not be sufficient. That's why some people seem to have high cholesterol but don't get heart disease. But it's also why it's not a bad move to lower your cholesterol - after all cardiovascular disease is the #1 risk to longevity. Where to find us:Website | https://vitaveda.healthYoutube | https://www.youtube.com/@vitavedahealthTwitter / X | https://x.com/drprilongevityNewsletter | https://substack.com/@vitavedahealthInstagram | https://www.instagram.com/drprilongevity/ References:https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arteriosclerosis-atherosclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350569#dialogId19666662 DisclaimerThis audio and video podcast are for general informational purposes only and does not constitute a practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services including the giving of medical advice. No doctor patient relationship is formed. The use of this information and the materials linked to this podcast and video cast are at the user’s own risk. The content on this podcast and video cast are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Any listener or watcher of this information should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice from any medical condition they have and they should seek assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions. We take all conflicts of interest very seriously. For all disclosures and companies we invest in or advise, please visit our website.