Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women, yet many people don’t discover they have a problem until they’ve experienced a heart attack or another serious event.

What if we approached heart disease differently?

In the latest episode of the NHA Today Podcast, Dr. Stephan Esser sits down with preventive cardiologist Dr. Joel Kahn to discuss how modern medicine is changing the way we think about heart health. Instead of waiting for symptoms to appear, today’s focus is on identifying risk early and taking action before heart disease progresses.

Heart Disease Often Develops Quietly

One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that heart disease rarely happens overnight.

Plaque can begin developing in the arteries years, even decades, before someone experiences chest pain or a heart attack. During that time, many people feel perfectly healthy and routine blood work may not reveal the full picture.

That’s why Dr. Kahn believes prevention should begin long before symptoms appear.

Looking Beyond Standard Cholesterol Tests

While traditional cholesterol testing is still an important part of evaluating heart health, Dr. Kahn explains that it doesn’t tell the whole story.

He discusses several additional tools that can provide a more complete understanding of cardiovascular risk, including:

• Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scans
• Lipoprotein(a), or Lp(a)
• Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)
• High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)
• Homocysteine and other markers of inflammation

Together, these tests can help identify people who may be at increased risk even when their standard cholesterol numbers appear normal.

Prevention Starts With Lifestyle

Testing is only part of the equation.

Dr. Kahn emphasizes that the foundation of heart disease prevention remains the same: healthy daily habits practiced consistently over time.

Throughout the episode, he discusses the importance of:

• Eating a whole food, plant-based diet
• Staying physically active
• Prioritizing quality sleep
• Managing emotional stress
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Avoiding tobacco and other harmful exposures

Rather than relying on a single solution, heart health is built through the combination of many small choices made every day.

Sleep Is More Important Than Many People Realize

One topic that often receives less attention is sleep.

Dr. Kahn explains that poor sleep can affect nearly every aspect of cardiovascular health, from blood pressure and inflammation to food choices and exercise habits.

He also discusses common sleep disorders like sleep apnea and why identifying and treating them can significantly improve overall health.

A Personalized Approach to Heart Health

Every person has a unique combination of genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors that influence their cardiovascular risk.

That’s why prevention isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Dr. Kahn encourages patients to understand their personal risk profile and use that information to make informed decisions alongside their healthcare team. In some cases, more comprehensive testing can even help determine when medications are unnecessary or when lifestyle changes may be enough.

The Future of Heart Disease Prevention

The future of cardiovascular care isn’t simply treating disease after it develops. It’s identifying risk earlier, using better tools and empowering people to take control of their health through evidence-based lifestyle choices.

Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s or beyond, it’s never too early or too late to begin protecting your heart.

Listen to the Full Episode

In this episode of the NHA Today Podcast, Dr. Stephan Esser and Dr. Joel Kahn explore:

• Why heart disease often develops silently
• The latest advances in cardiovascular screening
• The role of genetics and inflammation
• Why sleep matters for heart health
• How a whole food, plant-based lifestyle supports long-term cardiovascular wellness
• Practical strategies to help reduce your risk of heart disease

If you’re interested in taking a proactive approach to your heart health, this conversation is full of practical, science-based insights you can apply today.