16 Comments
User's avatar
CD's avatar

Would love to hear a discussion with Dr. Katz on lp (a), when we might expect to get results on medications in clinical trials and what the rollout of those medications will look like for those with high lp(a) with and without atherosclerosis.

Dr. Lucy McBride's avatar

Yes! I’m eagerly awaiting the results of these trials, too.

CD's avatar

Would also be interested in a discussion of arterial breast calcifications as biomarkers/ risk factors for cardiovascular disease. I’m 56 and calcifications first appeared on my mammogram at age 39. No one ever discussed these with me in regard to cardiovascular risk. In recent years I have been reading that they can be a risk factor. Interested to know if you discuss BAC with your patients regarding cardiovascular risk.

Lisa's avatar

Excellent interview! And thanks for addressing bothersome side effects of meds—hydrochlorothiazide and post-menopause urinary incontinence is turning out to be a bad combo, lol. It's on my list of things to talk about with my cardiologist, and I'm a little concerned she's going to tell me to deal with it.

Beth's avatar

When is the best time, upon awakening?

Greg Katz, MD's avatar

Agree a variety

Dr. Lucy McBride's avatar

I suggest people check it at various times of the day - because it will vary - in order to get a sense of the average BP reading and to get a sense of what forces impact it (eg. a bad night's sleep vs a good one, exercise/no exercise beforehand, etc)

Joseph Sims's avatar

Great interview. What recommendations are there for the person who has a hard time checking their own blood pressure at home, who gets the same anxiety response as they would in the doctor's office.

Greg Katz, MD's avatar

Exposure therapy. Just keep taking it and ignore the numbers. Normalize the action of evaluating it

Dr. Lucy McBride's avatar

Agree w Greg! The more you get used to checking BPs, the more you disarm the adrenaline response. Great Q!

Joseph Sims's avatar

Thanks so much for your response and advise! Keep up the great work.

lshoup's avatar

Thank you! This was so helpful! I hope you do more interviews with Dr Katz….lipoprotein (a)!….the two of you provide great, helpful, comforting advice.

Kathleen K.'s avatar

Very prActical information!

Karen Furey's avatar

What about taking a medication such as minoxidil if one’s blood pressure runs low. Orthostatic hypotension is problematic

Dr. Lucy McBride's avatar

Yes, Minoxidil can/does reduce blood pressure but its effects on blood pressure are generally very modest.