Blog Articles

Muscle strength, as frequently measured by handgrip strength (HGS), is a well-established indicator of functional status that has been widely used. Does it also predict survival over time?

The saying goes "food is medicine" but some are more potent than others. Green tea has many benefits and is a part of a traditional Asian diet associated with longevity and health. New data shows green tea is a therapy for lower blood sugars.

A tragic death 50 years ago, noted runner Jim Fixx and his Book of Running, presented the question: Can you out exercise a CRAP diet? The latest data indicates it takes BOTH a health diet and fitness to optimize health and lifespan.

In a large sample of the general population without established heart disease, silent coronary atherosclerosis was common. High calcium CT scores convey a significant probability of substantial stenosis.

Does performing the recommended levels of weekly physical activity in 1 to 2 sessions (weekend warrior) vs 3 or more sessions (regularly active) influence mortality?

The CORDIOPREV trial is a single centre, randomized clinical trial aimed at assessing the superiority of a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil in the secondary prevention of cardiac disease compared to a lower fat diet.

Balance quickly diminishes after the mid-50s increasing the risk for falls and other adverse health outcomes. The ability to complete a 10- second one-legged stance is associated with better all-cause mortality.

Over many decades it has been observed that the higher the HDL-Cholesterol (HDL-C), the lower the risk for heart events but newer studies question this. As more data is needed, a large analysis examined this relationship. What a surprise!

Increasing low-fat plant foods and minimizing high-fat and animal foods is associated with decreased body weight and fat loss with legumes having the most notable impact. A low-fat vegan diet can improve measures of diet quality and metabolic health.

Whether the genetic risk of prostate cancer can be attenuated by a healthy lifestyle is unclear. New data show it is protective to have healthy habits (healthy weight, regular exercise, not smoking, and a healthy diet).

One important change occuring in the specialty of heart risk reduction is the recommendation to obtain a Lp(a) measurement at least once in all adults to identify high risk persons. At the Kahn Center this is routine.

What is a coronary artery calcium scan (CACS)? It is a simple CT of the heart performed without injection of any contrast dyes that permits the easy identification of calcification (plaque) in the three major heart arteries.

New headlines have brought up again, perhaps for the third time in 3-4 years, that not all adults over age 50 need a daily aspirin for cardiovascular prevention. Where might you fit in to those headlines? It is important to get it right.

You have a stress test that is read as abnormal and leads to a coronary CT angiogram or cardiac catheterization. The results are disappointing and you are told you have blockages requiring bypass surgery or stents but you can go home. Are there options?

Want to live to 100? Dr. Joel Kahn explains what the Blue Zones, or areas of the world where people live the longest, can teach us about staying healthy. From similar food habits to stress management, find out what they all have in common.

Exposure to air pollutants – even at levels below World Health Organization air quality guidelines – may trigger a heart attack within the hour, according to a new study from China that found the risks were highest among older people and in colder weather.

Please help spread the word that lifestyle medicine prevents tragic and needless deaths. Together, we can make heart attacks a rarity. Parents can have more years with their families. Spouses don't need to mourn a deceased partner. Start today, because it'

Not all fats, carbs, and proteins are the same quality and have the same impact. Saturated fats from animal sources like butter, and some plant based sources like coconut oil, have been show to be very disruptive to our health short and long term.

“You are what you eat” applies to both human and planetary health. The burden of environmental damage from animal heavy diets is large not only for the risk of heart disease and cancer, but also for deforestation and pollution.

The data grows and grows. Chronic diseases can be prevented, and to some degree reversed, by eating a diet of brightly colored whole plant foods exclusively with liberal use of spices. Amazing!

Fascinating data has emerged in the last few years suggesting that the flexibility of the spine and joints predicts the flexibility of arteries. Additional data indicates that yoga may help maintain our arteries in a youthful state.

Maintaining five healthy habits—eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, keeping a healthy body weight, not drinking too much alcohol, and not smoking—during adulthood may add more than a decade to life expectancy. Now new data guides us even more.

It does not matter what food philosophy you follow, whether WFPB (whole food plant based), keto, Paleo or Mediterranean, the central piece of all diets promoting health unite at a large amount of plant based servings a day with 10 being the goal.

Whether it’s lead, mercury, PFAS, BPA, DDT, glyphosate or other toxins that are in the news, there are new challenges to health that the chemical industries have created over the past century. Chlorella tablets offer a path to protect your health.

Odds are you’ve heard about fasting. Defined as "abstinence from eating," the potential medical benefits have increasingly been substantiated in animal and medical research projects and now extend to enhance cognitive function.

When Hippocrates wrote 2,400 years ago to “let food be thy medicine,” he had no idea that scientific experiments would one day prove him a visionary. Food is no longer just a source of calories containing protein, carbs and fats. Food is information!

Soybean based foods like edamame, tofu, tempeh and natto are traditional foods in cultures with excellent health and longevity. In the US they have been around for decades but still foreign to most. Should you add soybean based foods?

Exercise may be like a dose of medication, too little or too much may not work out as well as a sweet spot. While exercise is a MUST for health, the pressure to do too much and create injury is a consideration.

No one escapes the feelings of stress, anxiety and time pressure. A healthy practice to control and diminish these feelings without Rx medication is a tool everyone needs. The 4-7-8 breathing exercise is taught at the Kahn Center

Maintaining spinal flexibility combined with a breathing practice is the core of many yoga practices. The Five Tibetans are an ancient and simple yoga flow that I have practiced for years and years. Perhaps it is one habit you can add to your daily routine

In a world that bombards us with negative news, it is crucial to learn skills to protect your attitude and outlook and keep it focused on the positive. Here are some tips that work at the Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity

Heart disease remains the #1 cause of death in men and women but estimates are at least 85% of cases are preventable with mainly lifestyle adopted as early in life as possible. Here are 10 from Dr. Kahn

The idea of eating a high "carb" diet has been so demonized that some will avoid and apple or beans for fear of gaining weight or becoming diabetic type 2. Nothing could be further from the truth if you keep it whole.

What is collagen? Collagen is the protein that forms connective fibers in tissues such as skin, ligaments, cartilage, bones and teeth. Collagen also acts as a kind of intracellular “glue” that gives support, shape and bulk to blood vessels, bones, and

Sadly, heart disease still causes more deaths in the Western world than any other condition. Early detection is key and can involved exercise tests, CT scans, and lab studies. Yet, looking in the mirror is one of the most powerful steps to do.

A number of people have identified veganism as one of the biggest trends in health. The reality is that the number of persons identifying their diet as plant-based or vegan is growing larger and larger. Yet, veganism must be done "right".

The nutrients derived from whole plant foods repeatedly show health benefits. Some have unique science data and garlic is one of those. Research has shown that the concentrated components of aged garlic, even odorless, are a powerhouse for the heart

Lipoprotein(a) is an inherited cholesterol particle effected 20-25% of all persons on the planet and it can harm arteries and heart valves throughout life. Standard therapies currently available are not approved for lowering this particle.

The constant reminders that cardiovascular disease is the #1 cause of death in the Western world are crucial. Educating the public on the research showing that excellent oral health promotes excellent cardiac and brain health.

Not everything new is better. An ancient 21 day diet plan from the Bible called the Daniel Fast has been tested at a major university to see if it would improve measures of metabolic health. The results how "there is nothing new under the sun".

I was interviewed recently by my friends, Drs. Roy and March, at Associates in Integrative Medicine (https://www.aimnatural.com/). I wanted to share the interview as the overlap of heart and cancer care (cardiooncology) is a growing field of care.

It may seem a stretch to view a sauna as a path to preserving health or even reversing disease. In reality, there are many impactful research studies showing benefits for heart health, blood pressure, and weight control. Consider sauna as a therapy!

Many of my patients are trying to lower their cholesterol levels and many want to avoid prescription medications. The Portfolio Diet is not well known but is a proven path to success. Their is new data supporting it.

You know about greens, beets, watermelon and other heart healthy foods. But ground flax seeds? New data push ground flax seeds to the top and I recommend 2 heaping tablespoons a day as a routine.

Prostate health is taken for granted but enlarged prostate glands causes men major discomfort and surgery is often needed. Prostate cancer is an even more serious issue. What if you could eat to reduce both of these health risks? You can. Learn More

I am approaching my 45th years on an all plant diet. I depend on whole foods, as close to nature and unprocessed, as possible. However, even this superior long-term choice may have "holes" in achieving optimal nutrient levels. These are my top 8 choices.

There are 50-60,000 miles of arteries in your body, all lined by a fascinating layer called the endothelium. A healthy endothelium is a healthy body. On top of the endothelium is an even more important structure called the glycocalyx.

With the growth of the industrial world increased concentrations of toxic chemicals have become come. Amongst these, a group of substances called "heavy metals" are more frequent and can play a role in cardiovascular disease. Knowing about them is wise.

Is it so hard to change your diet to one that favors health and vitality? Not really. The ideas and suggestions here are easy to follow and you can get started today.

Looking to prevent illness? Reverse disease? Maintain your weight? Help the environment? Be kind to animals? Feel more energy? Think clearly? All of that and more is possible with a plant diet. Here are important reasons why to jump in now.

Looking for a health upgrade? A disease prevention diet? A disease reversal diet? Weight loss? Living pain free? All of that comes from a plant diet. Here are strong reasons to choose a plant diet.

Have you been told you need a heart catheterization, heart stent, open heart bypass, or valve replacement? Although these may appear to be common procedures, risks and alternatives may exist. A second opinion is often your first choice.

Meat is a staple in many diets but the science has progressed to explain why many studies relate meat consumption and chronic disease like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Dr. Kahn explains the science of meat and why your should avoid it.

Erectile Dysfunction or ED can serve as an early warning sign of heart disease. It can also be a limiting factor in quality of life. The Kahn Center offers the Phoenix Pro for at home therapy of ED backed by over 100 science papers.

Quercetin and quinoa may be tied for the two toughest words to pronounce in the health world. Unlike quinoa, which is a food, quercetin is found in foods but is not a food itself. It can be pronounced either as “quer-sit-in” or “quer-see-tin”.

Stress is high in 2021 and strategies to manage and lower stress are key. One of the largest science projects to use technology to lower stress is called Heartmath. Dr Kahn reviews why he uses and recommends it for optimal health.

Men's sexual health may seem outside the interest of a cardiologist but it is actually a key area of practice. Sexual dysfunction can be an important clue to heart disease, can save a life, and can be improved and reversed as we do at the Kahn Center

Lifespan has increased dramatically in the last 100 years but "healthspan", or the number of years free of chronic medical issues, has stalled. Can we both live long and well? Here are 4 tips from the Kahn Center and Joel Kahn, MD, FACC

Conflicting studies on diet and heart health are common. How do you evaluate headlines? What do world class scientists recommend. No single study justifies a change in decades of science. A 35,000 foot view of all the science is recommended.

Lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a) is a "sticky cholesterol" particle under genetic control that is different than the lipids measured on a routine clinic visit. It must be ordered specially even though it is widely available and inexpensive. Do you know your level?

To be a good student of the human body and health, it is important to understand a process in our bodies called inflammation. Although a mouthful of a word, the root is the word flame like a fire that destroys your tissues.

Sleep quality may seem outside the wheelhouse of a cardiologist but in reality, without consistent and deep sleep of approximately 7-8 hours nightly, heart health and habits deteriorate. At the Kahn Center, sleep is a major topic of care.

At the Kahn Center we routinely see reversal of atherosclerosis in 6-24 months using CIMT (digitized carotid ultrasound) and other imaging modalities. While some argue that reversal is not possible, seeing is believing and we see reversal frequently.

Death from heart attack is an equal risk for both men and women, but on average, occurs earlier in men. A focus on why arteries clog, how to detect the process years before a heart attack, and strategies to prevent heart disease are important goals.

How can you use food to improve your heart and overall health? We teach food as medicine at the Kahn Center and eating greens and beats, chewed for maximal benefit, is another habit for optimal health.

During an average day there are about 100,000 heart beats. It is very common that <1% of them are premature or skipped beats. These may be felt as a thud, pause, or short racing of beats. They are common but cause great concern. Natural therapies work.

Lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a) is a complex cholesterol molecule inherited in 25% of people in an elevated blood level. It can cause heart and vascular disease but is rarely measured. The Kahn Center is a referral center in managing this problem.

Heart Month reminds us that we must have a plan to maintain a healthy heart and avoid the statistic that it is the number 1 risk to our lives. Here outlined from Dr. Kahn's book Dead Execs are 13 Steps to take now!

Although we share over 99% of our genes, there are differences called SNP's (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) that are minor changes to our genes that may make a pathway not function optimally. The MTHFR gene is one we track and treat at the Kahn Center.

While it is obvious that food choices and food quality are a major determinant of health, which foods? What about conflicting reports? There is a method to evaluate new headlines like eggs raise the risk of death.

The wellness movement and its message of health, fcusing on unprocessed food, clean water, upgraded personal care products, regular fitness, meaningful relationships and stress management is as important to men as to women. But men don't just get it.

At the Kahn Center we teach steps to feel better and to improve health metrics for a longer and healthier life. The steps to take do not need to be difficult or expensive. Her are 5 simple steps to take starting today.

CIMT testing, or ‘carotid intimal medial thickness’ testing, is a new and powerful approach that is simple to administer, involves non-ionizing radiation, and is 88-92% correlated with cardiovascular disease – much more accurate than most commonly used bas

Every year roughly 610,000 Americans die of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States for both sexes.  Yet research shows little shifts in diet and lifestyle can significantly boost your heart health.  Here are 10 to do now.

"If you can't measure it, you can't improve it" is an often used business philosophy that may apply to optimal health too. Aging of arteries can be measured but rarely is assessed annually to guide therapy. Here is how we do it at the Kahn Center.

Congestive heart failure is a common and serious cardiac disorder. Once fully characterized as to the root cause, heart failure is treated with lifestyle and Rx medications. The role for natural and integrative therapies of heart failure are discussed

While COVID19 dominated medicine and the world in 2020, there were intersting, hopeful, and significant research studies unrelated to the pandemic. Here are several that were impactful to me.

One of the most common of heart conditions is an irregular heart beat called atrial fibrillation. It can be present some or all of the time. It usually requires many medications and procedurs to control. Is their a natural option?

A heart calcium CT scan is the most available, cost-effective, and accurate test to screen for silent heart disease of the 3 major arteries. What do you do when you the results come back and the score is high? This is what we do at the Kahn Center

Many people are having a heart calcium CT score (also known as a coronary artery calcium score or CACS). This is an important test that is simple, safe and inexpensive. The results may be concerning and high. What to do? Part 2 will follow.

An elevated cholesterol, particularly LDL particles, raises the risk of atherosclerosis or clogged arteries. At the Kahn Center we use a range of approaches to lower LDL cholesterol.

Holidays or any day, healthy gifts are a joy to give and receive. I have tried many healthy items, foods and treatments. I wanted to share my top 10 that you may not be aware of. Health. Happiness. Natural Health and Prevention

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the number one killer worldwide. Step one is to measure blood pressure at home and work. Step two is to find therapies and lifestyle changes (exercise, diet, sleep, weight loss) that return it to normal.

Simple and consistent lifestyle decisions can add over 10 years of lifespan. Advanced testing is simple, inexpensive, and accurate for knowing your true heart risk.

The treatment of Lipoprotein(a), a genetic cholesterol impacting the risk of heart disease in over a billion persons, is controversial. This case study from the Kahn Center reports on successful therapy with diet and natural approaches.

Lipoprotein(a) is a common inherited cholesterol particle that can cause blocked arteries and valves leading to heart attacks and other serious issues. This case study demonstrates the importance of Lp(a) in a young patient.

Some have said that changing diet habits from unhealthy to whole foods and healthy is harder than changing one's religion! I disagree and this eating plan may give you some ideas to feel better, look better, and prevent disease.

Is there evidence for a plant-based diet? How do you learn more? Can a plant-based diet benefit your heart, brain, kidneys, skin and even your sexual health? Joel Kahn, MD of the Kahn Center for Cardiac Longevity suggests simple steps to get started.

Eat your vegetables and fruits, get seven to nine hours of sleep, don’t smoke, walk 30 minutes a day, stand more, stress less, be more mindful. If you add in a healthy sexual life you are also protecting your wellness!

Some people are drawn to the plant-based lifestyle for the impact it makes on protecting the environment and some to avoid harming animals.

Odds are you’ve heard about fasting. Defined as “abstinence from eating,” it is something you may have tried now and then.

You’ve decided to avoid animal products and jump into the world of plant-based eating but you’re wondering what your three meals a day and snacks are going to look like. How will you order at restaurants? What do you need to stock up on at home?

Preventing heart disease in patients is my main goal, but early detection is the next best thing if you cannot totally block its development.