Most of us think of different types of cholesterol as either “good” or “bad.” But the reality is more complex.

Daniel Elías-López, Endocrinologist, Ph.D, is a Mexican endocrinologist and researcher whose work spans both clinical care and public health. After years of treating patients with obesity, diabetes, and lipid disorders, he saw a limit to what could be achieved in the clinic alone. That realization led him toward research—with work aimed at generating knowledge that could inform prevention and treatment strategies for millions.

In this episode, we discuss:

- Why LDL is only part of the picture

- How elevated cholesterol can remain asymptomatic for years, and why early measurement is important for timely risk detection

- Practical, evidence-based strategies that can help lower risk for cardiovascular events

Rather than claiming to have all the answers, Dr. Daniel Elías-López shares his insights from clinical experience and research —highlighting what’s known, what’s emerging, and why prevention matters.

You can connect with Dr. Daniel Elías-López on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danieleliasl/ and listen to his podcast in Spanish: https://open.spotify.com/show/31RDgmiIWXQHyHNjgBxeNe?si=6bdf7f42589f4af6

Episode chapters:

00:00:00 - Why lipoproteins are essential for human health

00:07:14 - Research motivation behind studying cholesterol particles

00:14:53 - How lipoprotein particle size affects heart risk

00:22:00 - The main types of cholesterol in the body

00:29:40 - Understanding non-HDL cholesterol and health impacts

00:36:50 - Genetics and their influence on lipid metabolism

00:44:02 - Strategies to improve current cholesterol guidelines

00:51:41 - How cholesterol knowledge translates to clinical practice

00:58:49 - Fasting versus non-fasting lipid blood testing

01:06:29 - What cholesterol levels really tell about health

01:13:40 - Additional lipid markers for cardiovascular assessment

01:20:55 - Current debates in cholesterol research and policy

01:28:30 - Impact of diet on lipid profile and heart health

01:36:10 - Future directions in lipid research and prevention

01:43:55 - Key takeaways and summary of cholesterol insights