AtheroTalk

How do we beat atherosclerosis? In this special EAS Stage session, we bring together three rising scientists tackling that single question from completely different angles. Dr Soheil Saeedi (University of Zurich) explores cardiovascular aging and how a gut microbial metabolite can drive endothelial senescence. Dr Cesare Canepari (San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy) makes the case for gene therapy and genome editing to...

In this episode of AtheroTalk, we sit down with Prof. Manuel Mayr to explore how proteomics, multi-omics, and systems biology are transforming the way we understand cardiovascular disease. From decoding complex molecular networks to discussing the future of AI-driven medicine, Prof. Mayr shares a fascinating perspective on the evolving landscape of cardiovascular research and the challenges of translating massiv...

Prof. Dagmar Kratky is often called the “queen of lipid hydrolases” — and in this episode of AtheroTalk, she shares her passion for this fascinating field. Discover how cells store and mobilize fat, why maintaining the balance between these processes is essential for metabolic health, and which lipid hydrolases still remain to be discovered. Beyond the science, Dagmar Kratky also shares personal insights into the ...

What does it take to turn scientific evidence into healthcare policy that improves lives? In this AtheroTalk episode, we sit down with Prof. Zanfina Ademi, a leading health economist at Monash University, to explore how health economics shapes modern cardiovascular prevention. From the development of Productivity-Adjusted Life Years (PALYs) to the global push for lipoprotein(a) testing, Prof. Ademi shares insights from her remarkab...

This episode of AtheroTalk features Prof. Raul Santos from Brazil, reflecting on his journey in cardiovascular medicine and his impact on the field of lipidology. The discussion covers advances in familial hypercholesterolemia, LDL lowering, and emerging therapies like Lp(a), alongside the real-world challenges of prevention across different regions. Combining scientific insight with personal perspective, it’s an engaging and...

What does it take to build a career at the intersection of clinical care, research, and global collaboration? In this episode of AtheroTalk, we speak with Prof. Pablo Corral from Argentina, who brings a grounded and insightful perspective on lipid disorders, cardiovascular prevention, and the evolving role of large-scale clinical trials.

From tackling familial hypercholesterolemia to addressing residual risk, he shares both the real...

In this episode, Prof. Rory Collins shares the personal moments that shaped his career and pulls back the curtain on UK Biobank: how it really works, the tough calls, and the surprises along the way. As more of us rely on UKB for our research, this candid conversation is a must-listen for anyone using the resource: the context, trade-offs, and behind-the-scenes details you don’t usually get.

-----------------------------------...

This interview features Magdalena Daccord, CEO of FH Europe Foundation, discussing key challenges and future directions in the management of familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). The conversation focuses on patient advocacy, early diagnosis, and the importance of international collaboration between clinicians, researchers, and policymakers. Special attention is given to emerging initiatives, including the Lp(a) International Task For...

In this episode of AtheroTalk, we are honored to host Prof. John J.P. Kastelein, one of the most influential figures in lipidology and cardiovascular prevention.

With a career spanning decades of groundbreaking research and innovation, Prof. Kastelein shares his personal journey and reflects on the evolution of lipid-lowering therapy — from the early days of statins to today’s rapidly expanding pipeline of novel th...

In this special global episode of AtheroTalk, the EAS Young Fellows move beyond their traditionally Europe-focused conversations to connect with Professor Rodrigo Alonso Karlezi in Chile, bringing a Latin American perspective to cardiovascular science. The discussion explores international advances in familial hypercholesterolaemia, and the power of international collaboration, while also addressing challenges faced in Latin A...

In this episode of AtheroTalk, we discuss with Prof. Gerald F. Watts, a leading world expert in the field of Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) and Cardio-metabolic Medicine, about his professional journey, about national strategies and policies in FH and about how can young professionals achieve a successful career.

Prof. Watts shares his insights about the process of adding clinical meaning into research projects, his mentors and ...

Our guest, Prof. Göran K. Hansson, has spent a lifetime advancing cardiovascular science while helping steward one of the world’s most prestigious scientific institutions. His work as a Professor at Karolinska Institutet and former Secretary General of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, bridges discovery, leadership, and recognition.

He reflects on his clinical and academic journey and opens a window into his long service ...

In this episode of AtheroTalk, we talk with Prof. Ruth Frikke-Schmidt, a clinician and cardiovascular researcher, about curiosity, purpose, and growing into a life in science. She shares insights from her work on cardiovascular disease and genetics, and offers honest reflections on mentorship, setbacks, and balancing research with clinical work. It’s an inspiring listen for students and early-career researchers, ending with a...

In this AtheroTalk episode, Prof. Frederick Raal - a distinguished Professor at the University of the Witwatersrand and one of the world’s leading experts in familial hypercholesterolemia - shares insights from his clinical and research journey.

He discusses balancing clinical duties with leading one of the largest HoFH cohorts globally, highlighting the importance of mentorship, curiosity, and disciplined time management.

Prof...

In this episode of the AtheroTalk, we speak with Dr Rohan Khera from the Yale School of Medicine - a leading expert in big data and artificial intelligence, and their applications in cardiovascular medicine. Are you curious about digital phenotyping? Do you want to know which AI-powered tools are already in use or soon will be in clinical practice? Did you know that a simple ECG recording can reveal far more about the heart than ju...

This episode explores the 2025 Focused Update of the 2019 ESC/EAS Guidelines for the Management of Dyslipidaemias, highlighting key changes in cardiovascular risk assessment, LDL-C targets, Lp(a) interpretation, and lipid-lowering strategies. Listeners gain practical insights into how these updates impact everyday clinical decision-making and the future of dyslipidaemia management.

-------------------------------------------------

Sc...

We sit down with Prof. Bart van de Sluis, Professor of Molecular Genetics and Translational Biology at the University of Groningen (UMCG). His research unravels the molecular mechanisms that control lipid metabolism and endo-lysosomal cholesterol transport, key processes in cardiometabolic diseases such as fatty liver disease and atherosclerosis.

Prof. van de Sluis leads a research group dedicated to understanding how receptor traf...

This time, we interview Prof. Michael Shapiro, President of the American Association of Preventive Cardiology and Chair-Elect of the AHA Council on Lipidology, Lipoprotein, Metabolism & Thrombosis. We delve into his academic journey and explore his predictions for the future of our field.

---------------------------------------------------

Script-prep: Azin Kheirkhah, Svetlana Stoica, Tatyana Storozhenko

Interviewer: Svetlana Stoi...