Heart Doc VIP with Dr. Joel Kahn

Episode 474: Tim Kaufman on Beating Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Addiction with a Plant -Based Diet

Tim Kaufman's journey is nothing short of remarkable. Diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome—an inherited condition affecting collagen that impacts the heart, joints, and tendons—Tim found himself in a dark place by 2011, struggling with food, alcohol, and painkiller addiction, compounded by morbid obesity. His inspiring recovery through a plant-based diet led him to complete the Lake Placid Ironman in 2024 while sustaining an incredible 200 lb weight loss. Tim shares his transformative story in his book Escape. Learn more about his journey at fatmanrants.com.

Episode 473: Top Cardiology Topics of 2025 — A Great Year

This week, Dr. Kahn shares his curated list of the top advances in heart research from 2025. He highlights key insights and perspectives from Drs. Kim Williams and Noel Merz, along with important updates from the American Heart Association. Dr. Kahn also reviews a newly published research paper on the 5-day Fasting Mimicking Diet (PROLON), including the first human evidence showing activation of autophagy. Learn what this could mean for metabolic and cardiovascular health. PROLON is available at prolonlife.com/drkahn. Thanks to tokuhealth.com/KAHN20 and their nattokinase product, Flow, for supporting the show.  Wishing everyone a healthy and happy holiday season and all the best in 2026.

Episode 472: Is There Any Role for Niacin Therapy?

This week on Heart Doc VIP, Dr. Joel Kahn takes a fresh look at niacin (vitamin B3) therapy and its role in managing cholesterol and Lipoprotein(a). He reviews both classic and recent research, explains why many clinicians have moved away from niacin, and then walks through data that suggest it may still have value when used thoughtfully and selectively. Dr. Kahn also shares a real-world case study highlighting how niacin can be effective when carefully monitored. In the episode's shorter segments, Dr. Kahn covers a wide range of timely topics, including the relationship between orange juice and heart disease, the link between uterine fibroids and cardiovascular risk, and why achieving remission from pre-diabetes matters more than ever. He also explores research on polyphenol-rich Tartary buckwheat and its potential connection to slower aging, as well as new findings on statin use and muscle strength.  As always, the episode blends evidence-based medicine with practical insights you can apply to your own heart-health journey.  Sponsor:  Thanks to koyah.com/KAHN10 — check out their excellent product line and save with the code KAHN10.

Episode 471: Everything About Cold Weather, Snow Shoveling, and the Heart

This week, Dr. Joel Kahn dives into a timely topic: how cold weather affects heart health. He breaks down why snow shoveling can put extra stress on the heart, what warning signs to watch for, and the simple steps anyone can take to stay safe — especially when the risks can include sudden cardiac events. He also covers a grab-bag of fascinating updates, including new insights on Lipoprotein(a) and blood type, how kimchi may support immune health, what plant-based diets mean for muscle, the link between beer bellies and heart disease, and a look at President Trump's recent heart check-up.  Special thanks to therasage.com — use code DRKAHN20 for discounts on products like the TheraPro Pad, one of Dr. Kahn's go-to wellness tools.

Episode 470: New Data on the Canary in the Coal Mine (Erectile Dysfunction)

This week, Dr. Kahn breaks down new research on erectile dysfunction (ED) as an early warning sign—a "canary in the coal mine"—for heart disease and cardiovascular events, including mortality. He also discusses the emerging role of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and highlights new findings suggesting that ED medications like Viagra and Cialis may reduce all-cause mortality and potentially lower the risk of dementia. Additional topics include the connection between sleep apnea and Parkinson's disease, how skipping breakfast may raise cholesterol levels, the impact of high-polyphenol diets on resting heart rate, tai chi for improving sleep, alternate-day fasting, updates on the Watchman device, and new approaches to treating carotid artery disease. This week, Dr. Kahn also highlights the Echo Flask—an elegant way to make hydrogen-rich water. You can order one at echowater.com for a discount.