Summary
In this podcast episode, several important aspects of cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment are discussed, especially the role of Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) and the latest therapeutics in CVD. FH is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder that can lead to significantly increased LDL cholesterol levels and risk of heart disease. The Odyssey long-term and outcome studies show the efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors in treating FH and other forms of hypercholesterolemia. Diagnosing FH involves looking for elevated LDL cholesterol without any other abnormalities, familial history, and genetic testing.
Discussions on the treatment protocols for both children and adults with FH are covered. Early diagnosis and treatment in children can extend life expectancy by 15 to 20 years. Various medications, such as statins, Ezetimibe, and PCSK9 inhibitors, are prescribed based on individual patient factors. Apheresis has some effectiveness in treating FH, but it may be replaced by Evinacumab in the future.
The episode also delves into the topics of CTP Inhibitor drug treatments and the consequences of the failed CTEP Inhibitor drug trial. The failure of Torcetrapib was due to off-target effects, leading to water and sodium retention and high blood pressure. The episode highlights the potential benefits of a new CTP inhibitor, obasipatrib, which is currently in clinical trials.
Additional discussions include the potential impact of ASO inhibitors in reducing cardiovascular disease risk, the function of APO A1 in the brain in relation to Alzheimer's disease, and the importance of using the right biomarkers for research and clinical trials. Overall, the episode provides valuable insights into the latest developments in cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and personalized treatment approaches.
