AtheroTalk
AtheroTalk is a podcast dedicated to discussions on atherosclerosis and cardiovascular health. Leading experts share the latest research, breakthrough treatments, and practical insights for preventing and managing heart disease. Aimed at healthcare professionals, researchers, and heart health enthusiasts, the show delivers valuable knowledge and tips. The podcast is initiated by the EAS Young Fellows.
Episodes
E40: Patrick Rensen
In this episode of AtheroTalk, we are delighted to host Prof. Patrick C. N. Rensen from Leiden University Medical Center, Professor of Endocrinology and a leading researcher in cardiometabolic science. His work focuses on inter-organ crosstalk in glucose and lipid metabolism and its implications for cardiovascular and metabolic disease.By listening to Prof. Rensen’s scientific journey and translat
E39: Katariina Öörni
Prof. Katariina Öörni, Co-Editor of Atherosclerosis, the official journal of the EAS and a member of the EAS Executive Committee for Communication in 2025-2028, is our distinguished guest in this episode of AtheroTalk.The conversation paints us a vivid picture about Prof. Öörni’s academic journey and research and is full of inspiring stories. Tune in to hear more about the function of lipoprotein
E38: Heribert Schunkert
In this episode of AtheroTalk we are privileged to host Prof. Heribert Schunkert, the recipient of the 2026 EAS Anitschkow Prize - the Society’s most prestigious award - for his pioneering work in the genetics of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.By listening to Prof. Schunkert’s inspiring academic journey and thought-provoking insights regarding the future of cardiovascular disease manag
E37: Soheil Saeedi, Cesare Canepari & Berkan Kurt
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
E36: Manuel Mayr
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 tra
E35: Dagmar Kratky
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 i
E34: Zanfina Ademi
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. Adem
E33: Raul Santos
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 pers
E32: Pablo Corral
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 res
E31: Rory Collins
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.------
E30: Magdalena Daccord
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, includi
E29: John J.P. Kastelein
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 pi
E28: Rodrigo Alonso Karlezi
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 addressi
E27: Gerald Watts
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
E26: Göran K. Hansson
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
E25: Ruth Frikke-Schmidt
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-care
E24: Frederick Raal
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 dis
E23: Ron Blankstein
In this episode of AtheroTalk, Prof. Ron Blankstein, a leading expert in cardiovascular imaging and prevention, discusses his professional journey, the power of coronary artery calcium scoring, innovations in cardiac CT, and the future of cardiovascular risk prediction.---------------------------------------------------Script-prep: Tatyana StorozhenkoInterviewer: Tatyana Storozhenko
E22: Rohan Khera
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 reve
E21: 2025 Focused Update of the 2019 ESC/EAS Guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias
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.----------------
E20: Bart van de Sluis
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
E19: Michael Shapiro
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 St
E18: EAS Paediatric Lipid Working Group
Tune in to this special FH Awareness Week episode of our podcast featuring Prof. Steve Humphries. In this conversation, he shares valuable insights into familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) and introduces the newly established EAS Paediatric Lipid Working Group. He highlights the importance of early detection, collaboration, and awareness to improve care and outcomes for children living with inheri
E17: EAS Consensus Statement on Systemic Metabolic Disorders
Rates of obesity and related metabolic disorders have risen dramatically worldwide, yet most treatment strategies still focus on individual conditions, missing the bigger picture. A new Consensus Statement from the European Atherosclerosis Society introduces a holistic, clinically actionable framework that reflects disease progression across three stages, from early metabolic changes to advanced o
E16: Simon Pfisterer
In this episode, our guest is Dr Simon Pfisterer, group leader at the University of Helsinki and Chief Scientific Officer of Moncyte Ltd. His work bridges cutting-edge research and clinical application in dyslipidaemia and cardiovascular disease. We're talking about his academic journey, his move into biotech, and his vision for the future of precision medicine in atherosclerosis.-------------
E15: Gemma Figtree
In this episode, a leading interventional cardiologist and pioneering researcher, Prof. Gemma Figtree brings a unique perspective at the intersection of clinical care, molecular science, and national health strategy. From her early academic journey to groundbreaking work, Prof. Figtree shares ideas that are as inspiring as they are impactful. Join us for a conversation that explores not only the s
E14: Judith Sluimer & Keith Channon
In this special AtheroTalk live episode from the EAS Congress floor, hosts Emiel van der Vorst and Azin Kheirkhah sit down with two leading experts and successful grant winners in cardiovascular research—Prof. Judith Sluimer, recipient of the prestigious Vici grant from the Dutch Research Council (NWO), and Prof. Keith Channon, honored with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Research Excellence Aw
E13: Noam Zelcer
In this episode, we talk with Prof. Noam Zelcer, a globally respected expert in the field of molecular regulation of lipid metabolism and cardiometabolic diseases. He shares his perspectives on the evolving field of lipid metabolism research. Besides his scientific insights, he encourages us to discuss our failures, which are “a feature of science, not a bug”. Another key message: “Define clear go
E12: Jeffrey Kroon
How do you build confidence and momentum early in your research career? In this episode, Prof. Jeffrey Kroon shares his perspective on navigating the competitive world of academic science. From applying for grants to leading innovative research, he offers practical advice on taking bold steps forward.His key message? “Don’t hesitate - go for it!” Whether it’s your first grant application or a new
E11: Borge Nordestgaard
In this episode of AtheroTalk, let's meet Prof. Børge Nordestgaard, the founder of the Copenhagen General Population Study and the current EAS President. Do you want to know more about his research trajectory, the mentors he met along the way, and the projects he's working on beyond the Copenhagen General Population Study? Or maybe you just want to get to know him more personally? Listen t
E10: Christoph Binder
How can you find inspiration and stay motivated in the early stages of your career? According to Prof. Christoph Binder, building a strong foundation is key. He shares a lot of practical advice in this insightful conversation. Don’t worry if things don’t go exactly as you thought - Prof. Binder reminds us: “In general, I think most good projects do not work out as planned. This is what actually ma
E09: Jeanine Roeters van Lennep
In this episode of AtheroTalk, Professor Jeanine Roeters van Lennep, Head of the Lipid Clinic at Erasmus Medical Center, joins us to share her insights into cardiovascular prevention and familial hypercholesterolemia. She talks about her journey into atherosclerosis research, her leadership roles, and how she balances research with clinical work. We also explore the critical need for diversity in
E08: Mate Kiss
This episode is a special one! We sit down for an inspiring conversation with Dr Mate Kiss, winner of the Young Investigator Award in Basic Science for 2023, as he guides us through his groundbreaking research on Cell-autonomous regulation of complement C3 by factor H limits macrophage efferocytosis and exacerbates atherosclerosis, published in Immunity (http://doi.org/10.1016/j.immuni.2023.06.026
E07: Florian Kronenberg
In this episode, we sit down with Prof. Florian Kronenberg, a leading expert in genetic epidemiology, to explore the latest breakthroughs in Lp(a) research. As a key contributor to the EAS Consensus Statement on Lp(a), Prof. Kronenberg shares how these guidelines are shaping clinical practice, debunks common misconceptions - including confusion around Lp(a) thresholds - and highlights the biggest
E06: Dale Abel
What does it take to lead at a prestigious medical institution while driving groundbreaking research? See every step of your career and research as an opportunity to evolve and learn! Join us for an insightful discussion with Prof. Dale Abel, a renowned expert in cardiometabolic research and Chair of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, on leadership, international mobility, an
E05: Paul Ridker
Prepare to be inspired! In this episode, we sit down with Prof. Paul Ridker for an insightful conversation brimming with invaluable advice for young scientists. From tackling personal questions to exploring groundbreaking frontiers in cardiovascular disease (CVD) research, this episode has it all. Tune in and don’t miss Prof. Ridker’s powerful advice: "Try to find out what you’re actually really g
E04: Alexander Bartelt
Welcome to episode 4! We had the pleasure of speaking with Prof. Alexander Bartelt from Ludwig-Maximilians-University in Munich. A leading expert on cellular stress in metabolic syndrome, Prof. Bartelt exemplifies how dedication, passion for science, and a touch of creativity can lead to remarkable success. His secret? Daily yoga and a deep love for his work.---------------------------------------
E03: Nicola Ferri
In episode 3 of AtheroTalk, we spoke with Prof. Nicola Ferri about his inspiring academic journey. Our conversation highlighted the profound impact of mentors in shaping a researcher’s path and how these valuable relationships often endure for years, continuing to influence and inspire.-------------------------------------------------Script-prep: Vanessa Bianconi, Mariia Cherska, Azin Kheirkhah, M
E02: Katey Rayner
In this conversation with Prof. Katey Rayner, a Chief Scientific Officer at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, we hear about her career journey, the challenges she’s overcome, and the valuable lessons she’s learned along the way. It might serve as an inspiration for you.-------------------------------------------------Script-prep: Alexandr Ceasovschih, Azin Kheirkhah, Elena Rodriguez-Sanche
E01: Anne Tybjærg-Hansen
In our first episode, we’re thrilled to speak with Prof. Anne Tybjaerg-Hansen from Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark. With over 40 years of experience in clinical biochemistry and molecular cardiology, she is a true expert in her field. Tune in for an insightful conversation, where Prof. Tybjaerg-Hansen concludes with a powerful message for early career scientists: “Go for it
