Welcome to Episode 22 of Cardiovascular Matters! In this engaging discussion, Terry Roberts and Dr. Craig Walker, founder of the Cardiovascular Institute of the South, dive deep into one of the most asked questions about cardiovascular health: statins and cholesterol management.

In this episode, Dr. Walker explains:

• Why statins are a cornerstone of cardiovascular treatment.
• The science behind cholesterol and its role in heart disease.
• How statins work to lower LDL cholesterol and improve heart health.
• Common concerns and misconceptions about statins, including side effects.
• Alternative treatments for patients who cannot tolerate statins.

Dr. Walker also shares practical tips for combining lifestyle changes with medical treatments to achieve optimal cholesterol levels. Whether you're a patient or a caregiver, this episode provides clear answers and actionable advice to help you or your loved ones manage cardiovascular health effectively.

If you have high cholesterol or are considering treatment options, don't miss this essential guide from one of the leading voices in cardiology.

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In this insightful episode of Cardiovascular Matters, host Terry Roberts and renowned cardiologist Dr. Craig Walker delve into the groundbreaking technology of renal denervation and its profound implications for the treatment of hypertension.

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for a host of cardiovascular complications, including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and kidney damage. Traditionally, the management of hypertension has relied heavily on a pharmacological approach, with patients often required to take multiple medications to control their blood pressure. However, this approach can come with its own set of challenges, including medication side effects, adherence issues, and the ongoing financial burden of lifelong treatment.

Enter renal denervation - a minimally invasive, catheter-based procedure that targets the sympathetic nerves surrounding the kidney arteries. By disrupting these nerves, renal denervation has been shown to significantly lower blood pressure, often to the point where patients can reduce or even eliminate their reliance on antihypertensive medications.

Dr. Walker explains the underlying mechanisms behind renal denervation and how it can address the root causes of hypertension, rather than simply masking the symptoms. He shares insights from clinical trials, highlighting the impressive and sustained reductions in blood pressure achieved with this innovative approach.
Notably, the recent announcement that Medicare and CMS will provide coverage for renal denervation procedures starting in 2025 is a game-changer, making this transformative technology accessible to a wider patient population. This development holds the potential to revolutionize the way we manage hypertension, offering patients a viable alternative to lifelong medication dependence and the associated side effects and costs.

As Terry and Dr. Walker discuss, the implications of renal denervation extend beyond just blood pressure control. They explore the potential for this procedure to positively impact other cardiovascular conditions, such as heart failure, and how it may be utilized in earlier stages of hypertension to prevent the progression of cardiovascular disease.

Listeners will come away from this episode with a deeper understanding of the science behind renal denervation, the clinical evidence supporting its efficacy, and the exciting prospects for its future integration into the standard of care for hypertension management. Join us as we delve into this revolutionary advancement in cardiovascular care.

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In this powerful episode, host Terry Roberts sits down with Dr. Craig Walker, the founder of Cardiovascular Institute of the South, to discuss his lifelong mission to prevent unnecessary amputations for patients suffering from peripheral vascular disease and critical limb ischemia.

Dr. Walker shares how he became deeply committed to this cause, recognizing that far too many amputations were being performed without even a basic vascular assessment. He describes how he set out to change this, not only through his own clinical work, but by establishing a groundbreaking training program to educate physicians across the country on the latest limb salvage techniques.

The conversation delves into the remarkable impact of Dr. Walker's efforts, highlighting how his innovative approaches have allowed him and his team to save the limbs of over 90% of patients who were previously told amputation was their only option. The profound benefits of this work are explored, from the dramatic improvements in patient quality of life to the substantial cost savings for the healthcare system.

Listeners will gain a deep appreciation for the sheer scale of the peripheral artery disease epidemic, as well as the urgent need for more widespread adoption of limb salvage best practices. Dr. Walker's passion for this cause shines through, as he makes a compelling case that saving limbs truly means saving lives.

This is a must-listen episode for anyone concerned about the growing burden of vascular disease, and who wants to learn about the innovative solutions being pioneered by trailblazers like Dr. Craig Walker. Viewers will come away inspired by his tireless efforts, and armed with a better understanding of how to ensure patients receive the comprehensive, proactive care they deserve.

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