LDL may get all the blame — but there’s a darker twin hiding in the shadows. Same cholesterol core. Same ApoB backbone. But with one sinister twist: a sticky tail called apolipoprotein(a). That extra piece transforms an ordinary LDL particle into something far more dangerous. Meet Lipoprotein(a) — or Lp(a) — one of the strongest, most under-recognized genetic drivers of premature cardiovascular disease. It’s pro-atherogenic, pro-thrombotic, and pro-inflammatory — a triple threat that ca...

LDL-C is the number we’ve all been trained to chase. But what if the real culprit isn’t the cholesterol itself… but the number of particles carrying it? Meet ApoB — the quiet truth-teller of lipidology. It doesn’t care how perfect your LDL number looks. It counts every atherogenic particle capable of injuring the arterial wall — the true measure of risk hiding beneath the surface. In this episode of LipidCurious, we’ll dig into what makes ApoB the stronger, sharper, and more hones...

For decades, HDL — the so-called “good cholesterol” — has been celebrated as the body’s knight in shining armor. Patients brag about their high HDL levels like it’s a shield against heart disease. But is HDL truly the hero we once thought? In this episode of LipidCurious, we’ll separate myth from science and uncover the real story of HDL: Why is HDL called the “good cholesterol” — and is that nickname really fair?What exactly is reverse cholesterol transport, and why does ...

Picture an atherosclerotic artery as a crime scene. Cholesterol piles up on the walls — thick deposits blocking what should be a free-flowing highway of blood. For decades, cholesterol was blamed as the culprit. But here’s the twist: cholesterol is just the passenger. The real suspects are the lipoproteins — the vehicles smuggling cholesterol into places it doesn’t belong. In this episode of LipidCurious, we’re stepping into the role of detective. We’ll assemble a lipoprotein from scrat...

Cholesterol is one of the most talked-about molecules in medicine — and one of the most misunderstood. It’s essential for life, but when carried in the wrong lipoproteins, it becomes the driving force behind atherosclerosis. In this episode of LipidCurious, we step away from the headlines and hype to explore what cholesterol really means for clinical practice and board prep. Here’s what we’ll unpack together: 1. The Cholesterol paradox — why it’s bot...

We tell patients to “eat more healthy fats” — but what does that actually mean? Why is coconut oil villainized while olive oil gets the heart-healthy halo — even though both come from plants? Why does cheese get a pass on the charcuterie board, but butter gets the side-eye — even though both are saturated fats? The truth is, fatty acids aren’t just a diet label. They’re central players in inflammation, lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and even gene expression. In this episode of LipidCur...

When you see elevated triglycerides on a lab report, what’s your first move? Diet talk? Lifestyle handout? It’s time to pause — because triglycerides aren’t just about carbs and alcohol. They can be a clue to deeper issues: insulin resistance, hepatic strain, even pancreatitis risk. In this episode of LipidCurious, we take a deep dive into: What triglycerides actually are?Why triglycerides go up — and when you should worry?Whether they really cause atherosclerosis, or are just guilty by assoc...

Welcome to Season 1 Episode 1 of LipidCurious — the podcast dedicated to demystifying lipids for medical boards and real-world clinical practice. If you’ve ever looked at a lipid panel and felt unsure what it really means, this episode is your starting point. In this kickoff episode, we cover: 1. What are lipids? 2. Their defining “superpowers.” 3. How are lipids classified — and why that matters in clinic Whether you’re preparing for boards or managing complex p...

Ever looked at a lipid panel and thought, “Okay… now what?” LDL-C may be at goal, but your patient still ends up in the cath lab. Triglycerides are high — is it diet, insulin resistance, or something deeper? Welcome to LipidCurious — the podcast dedicated to demystifying lipids for medical boards and real-world clinical practice. In this kickoff episode, the host shares: Why LipidCurious ExistsBrief Intro of HostWhat this podcast will (and won’t) teach youWhat to expect in Season ...