Skip to content
Artwork for AtheroTalk

AtheroTalk

European Atherosclerosis Society

AtheroTalk is your go-to podcast for in-depth discussions on atherosclerosis and cardiovascular health. Join leading experts as they explore the latest research, breakthrough treatments, and real-world insights into preventing and managing heart disease. Whether you're a healthcare professional, researcher, or just passionate about heart health, AtheroTalk delivers valuable knowledge and practical tips straight from the experts. Tune in to stay informed and inspired about the future of cardiovascular care!
--------------------------
This podcast is proudly initiated by the EAS Young Fellows.

Play
  • 21 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 33 min
  • English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • S1 · E37
    Monday · 43 min

    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 gene therapy and genome editing to actually cure familial hypercholesterolemia. Dr Berkan Kurt (University Hospital Aachen) brings the clinician-scientist's perspective on inflammation, hsCRP, and emerging biomarkers, straight from the bedside. Three labs, three countries, three toolkits, one disease. --------------------------------------------------- Script-prep: Pelin Golforoush, Tatyana Storozhenko Interviewer: Pelin Golforoush, Tatyana Storozhenko

  • S1 · E36
    July 27 · 23 min

    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 translating massive datasets into meaningful clinical insight. Beyond the science, the conversation reflects on curiosity, mentorship, and building a career driven by genuine passion. --------------------------------------------------- Script-prep: Pelin Golforoush Interviewer: Pelin Golforoush

  • S1 · E35
    June 16 · 24 min

    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 insights into the key milestones of her career and offers inspiring advice for young scientists: “Stay persistent, try again, never give up, and never take it personally — just try again, and it will work.” An inspiring conversation about scientific curiosity, resilience, and the future of lipid research. --------------------------------------------------- Script-prep: Azin Kheirkhah Interviewer: Marion Mussbacher

  • S1 · E34
    June 2 · 31 min

    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. Ademi shares insights from her remarkable career at the intersection of science, policy, and public health. Join us for an inspiring conversation about innovation, impact, and the future of cardiovascular care. --------------------------------------------------- Script-prep: Azin Kheirkhah Interviewer: Azin Kheirkhah

  • S1 · E33
    May 19 · 39 min

    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 perspective, it’s an engaging and thoughtful conversation with a clear message: stay curious, keep pushing forward, and “go after your dreams”. --------------------------------------------------- Script-prep: Pelin Golforoush Interviewer: Pelin Golforoush

  • S1 · E32
    May 5 · 27 min

    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 residual risk, he shares both the realities and possibilities of advancing care in Latin America. Along the way, he reflects on mentorship, career choices, and what truly sustains long-term motivation, captured in one simple idea: “Find something you are truly passionate about.” A thoughtful conversation for anyone navigating science, medicine, and purpose. --------------------------------------------------- Script-prep: Pelin Golforoush Interviewer: Pelin Golforoush

  • S1 · E31
    April 21 · 51 min

    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. --------------------------------------------------- Script-prep: Hana Bartuskova, Azin Kheirkhah, Elena Rodriguez-Sanchez Interviewer: Alexandr Ceasovschih, Azin Kheirkhah

  • S1 · E30
    April 7 · 37 min

    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, including the Lp(a) International Task Force, and the role of patient networks in improving awareness and access to care. --------------------------------------------------- Script-prep: Maria Cherska, Azin Kheirkhah, Svetlana Stoica Interviewer: Maria Cherska, Svetlana Stoica

  • S1 · E29
    March 19 · 36 min

    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 pipeline of novel therapeutics. Together, we explore the milestones that have shaped modern cardiovascular prevention, the lessons learned along the way, and the exciting future of precision lipid management. This conversation offers unique insights into the intersection of science, clinical practice, and drug development, from someone who has been at the forefront of it all. --------------------------------------------------- Script-prep: Fotis Barkas Interviewer: Fotis Barkas

  • S1 · E28
    February 12 · 35 min

    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 addressing challenges faced in Latin America such as limited resources, differences in guidelines, and the need to build sustainable research networks. Reflecting on perseverance in global science, Prof. Karlezi reminds us that “no doesn’t mean ‘no’, it means ‘not yet’.” --------------------------------------------------- Script-prep: Pelin Golforoush Interviewer: Pelin Golforoush

  • S1 · E27
    February 2 · 35 min

    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 research projects, his mentors and overcoming challenges. He also shares ways to address gaps in care, a fresh perspective on cardiometabolic prevention, methods of thinking and ideas that help researchers keep their research relevant. Tune in and don’t miss the powerful motto that Prof. Watts has followed throughout his exceptional career – “discovery comes to the prepared mind”. --------------------------------------------------- Script-prep: Laura Gaita, Maria Giovanna Lupo Interviewer: Laura Gaita

  • S1 · E26
    January 13 · 20 min

    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 window into his long service on the Nobel Committee for Physiology or Medicine. --------------------------------------------------- Script-prep: Alexandr Ceasovschih, Maria Cherska Interviewer: Alexandr Ceasovschih

  • S1 · E25
    Dec 22, 2025 · 48 min

    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-career researchers, ending with a piece of advice that’s both simple and powerful: “One thing at a time.” --------------------------------------------------- Script-prep: Pelin Golforoush Interviewer: Pelin Golforoush

  • S1 · E24
    Dec 8, 2025 · 19 min

    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 disciplined time management. Prof. Raal explains the expanding role of PCSK9 and ANGPTL3 inhibitors, emphasizing combination therapy as essential for HoFH. He reflects also on unanswered questions regarding long-term safety of PCSK9 inhibitors, the promise and challenges of gene-editing approaches, and the urgent need to improve global access to advanced lipid-lowering therapies. --------------------------------------------------- Script-prep: Fotios Barkas Interviewer: Fotios Barkas

  • S1 · E23
    Nov 25, 2025 · 22 min

    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 Storozhenko Interviewer: Tatyana Storozhenko

  • S1 · E22
    Nov 11, 2025 · 26 min

    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 reveal far more about the heart than just its electrophysiological properties? --------------------------------------------------- Script-prep: Azin Kheirkhah, Jan Novák Interviewer: Jan Novák

  • S1 · E21
    Oct 30, 2025 · 31 min

    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. ------------------------------------------------- Script-prep: Fotios Barkas, Maria Cherska Interviewer: Fotios Barkas, Maria Cherska

  • S1 · E20
    Oct 20, 2025 · 37 min

    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 to understanding how receptor trafficking and inflammation are regulated, with a focus on the NF-κB signaling pathway. Using advanced cellular and mouse models, including CRISPR/Cas approaches, his team pushes the boundaries of molecular medicine. Beyond his research, he heads the Transgenic Mouse Clinic for Aging Research (CRISPR facility). Join us as we talk about his scientific journey, the challenges of translational research, and his vision for the future of molecular biology and cardiovascular science. ------------------------------------------------- Script-prep: Hana Bartuskova, Maria Giovanna Lupo, Sanne Maas, Tatyana Storozhenko Interviewer: Sanne Maas

  • S1 · E19
    Oct 3, 2025 · 35 min

    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 Storozhenko Interviewer: Svetlana Stoica

  • S1 · E18
    Sep 20, 2025 · 44 min

    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 inherited lipid disorders. --------------------------------------------------- Script-prep: Hana Bartuskova, Joana Rita Chora, Laura Gaita, Azin Kheirkhah Interviewer: Azin Kheirkhah

Showing 1–20 of 21 episodes