AMA #1 - Statins GLP 1s and Best Tests for Heart Disease Prevention with Dr. Robert Todd Hurst, MD, FACC, FASE

In this HealthspanMD AMA episode, Dr. Robert Todd Hurst, MD, FACC, FASE, answers practical questions about preventive cardiology and personalized health. The conversation covers how different cardiovascular imaging tests are used, when statins and alternative cholesterol medications may make sense, plant sterol absorption, hormone replacement therapy, the role of ChatGPT and artificial intelligence in healthcare, and how GLP 1 medications may affect cardiovascular and metabolic health. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Hurst explains why the right strategy depends on understanding an individual’s specific risks rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.Dr. Robert Todd Hurst, MD, FACC, FASE, is a cardiologist focused on preventive care and personalized cardiovascular risk reduction. Drawing on his clinical experience, including his previous work at Mayo Clinic, he approaches medications, diagnostics, nutrition, and lifestyle interventions as tools that should be selected according to the individual patient’s risks, goals, preferences, and desired outcomes. At HealthspanMD, that philosophy extends beyond cardiovascular disease to a collaborative approach focused on improving long-term healthspan.KEY TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Preventive care questions covered in this AMA

02:18 What a coronary calcium score can and cannot tell you

04:38 Stress tests, CT angiograms, and identifying heart disease

06:56 Statins, cholesterol treatment, and personalized prevention

09:12 Combining statins with PCSK9 medications

11:32 Plant sterol absorption and unexpected artery disease

13:52 Hormone replacement therapy and cardiovascular health

16:07 Using ChatGPT and AI for preventive healthcare

18:29 GLP-1 medications for heart and metabolic health

20:52 Who may benefit from GLP-1 medications and closing thoughts

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Don't make any decisions about your medical treatment without first talking to your doctor.