MedEvidence Articles

This episode explores atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), the leading cause of heart attacks and strokes worldwide. Learn about the role of LDL cholesterol in the development of fatty plaques that harden and block blood vessels, as well as the risks associated with ASCVD, including heart disease and peripheral artery disease. The episode highlights preventive strategies such as healthy...

Join us this week for a brief tour of some body systems as we review five medications approved by the FDA in 2024. From liver disease to Alzheimer’s, we look at Rezdiffra, Iqirvo, Vafseo, Entyvio, and Kisunla, exploring the diseases they intend to treat and a brief overview of how the medicines work. We celebrate the hard work of volunteers, investigators, coordinators, and other participants in t...

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a subtype of Major Depressive Disorder that fluctuates with the seasons. Seasonal Affective Disorder, a condition affecting millions during the darker months. We explore its symptoms, causes, and demographic prevalence, highlighting its impact on mood, cognition, and physical health. The episode also examines lea...

This week we discuss episodic and chronic migraines. Migraines are primary headaches that affect about a billion people globally each year. In this weeks episode, we discuss symptoms and the differences between episodic and chronic migraines.  Learn about risk factors, treatment options, and why accurate and appropriate treatment is critical to keep episodic migraines from getting worse. Share wit...

This podcast episode examines the challenges of sticking to fitness resolutions and how to make exercise more accessible and sustainable. We discuss the health benefits of physical activity, the impact of stress on the body, and why reducing barriers like time, cost, and convenience can improve consistency. Learn practical tips for incorporating fitness into your routine, including effective home-...

This week, we dive into the fascinating world of exosomes, the body’s nano-sized delivery drivers and communication hubs. We’ll explore what exosomes are, their role in cell-to-cell communication and healing, and the potential medical applications they offer. These include drug delivery, regenerative medicine, and combating diseases like cancer and viral infections. We’ll also discuss the challeng...

Sinus headaches are annoying, bothersome, and might not really be sinus-related for most people! We look at research that explains why sinus inflammation is rarely the cause headaches above the sinuses and how accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Learn about the role of sinuses, why facial pain isn’t always what it seems, and how evidence-based approaches like antimigraine medi...

As we approach Thanksgiving and gather with family, it's the perfect time to ponder how our genetics, from eye color to cholesterol levels, shape our lives in unique and sometimes dangerous ways. This episode sheds explores how genetic disorders run in families and looks at lipoprotein (a), a very very very very bad kind of cholesterol. We also learn how to get a free cholesterol check that c...

In this episode we unpack the facts, controversies, and benefits surrounding the most prescribed drugs for lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol. Statins reduce risks of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death, yet concerns over side effects - like muscle pain and blood sugar increases - fuel debates around their use. We’ll explore how statins work, the reality behind their reported side effects,...

In this week's episode we explore how trauma affects many system in the body, with symptoms that can last years or even decades. PTSD impacts not only mental health but also physical health, causing chronic stress that can lead to cardiovascular issues, metabolic changes, and immune dysfunction. We’ll break down the science behind stress responses like allostatic load, which disrupts our body...

In this week's episode we dive into how chronic inflammation connects kidney disease with cardiovascular risk. Learn how inflammation, typically the body’s healing response, can become a destructive force when it lingers, contributing to kidney damage and cardiovascular issues like high blood pressure and artery hardening. We’ll also explore why CKD patients are often underserved in cardiovas...

This week we explore the science behind one of an increasingly popular approach to managing weight and health—intermittent fasting. We'll break down how limiting your eating window can influence everything from metabolism and inflammation to blood sugar control. With new research showing potential benefits like weight loss and improved glucose levels, we'll also examine what factors may...

In this week's episode we take a closer look at the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) test, a powerful tool which may help assess cardiovascular risk. It is a biomarker of inflammation, and hs-CRP’s ability to predict heart disease is both fascinating and complex. We’ll explore how chronic inflammation affects the heart, what high hs-CRP levels can reveal about your health, and how...

In this episode we explore the surprising link between sleep deprivation and weight gain. Discover how hormones like leptin and ghrelin, which regulate hunger and metabolism, are thrown off balance when we don't get enough sleep. We'll break down the science behind why losing sleep can lead to increased hunger, stress eating, and obesity, and how even a catnap can help restore balance. T...

In this episode we explore the vital role that HDL cholesterol plays in maintaining cardiovascular health. Known as "good cholesterol," HDL helps clear excess fats from the bloodstream, but recent research shows that its role is far more complex than we once thought. We'll discuss how low HDL levels are linked to increased heart disease risk, why simply raising HDL numbers might not...

In this episode, we take a microscopic look at how some of the most dangerous RNA viruses, like COVID-19, Ebola, RSV, and the flu, hijack our cells to replicate. Discover the science behind viral reproduction and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, the specialized machinery these viruses rely on. We’ll also explore how new antiviral treatments based on Remdesivir are being developed to target this share...

This week we dive deep into the mysteries of chronic cough—a condition that affects millions worldwide and can last for months or even years. In this episode, we’ll explore the science behind why we cough, how chronic cough disrupts lives, and the latest research on treatments and potential cures. From overactive nerve responses to underlying health conditions, we break down the complexities of th...

In this episode, we compare the looming disaster of the Death Star to the health risks of Metabolic Syndrome, a combination of factors that significantly increase the chances of serious conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Just as the Death Star’s vulnerability came from multiple issues working together, Metabolic Syndrome results from a dangerous mix of obesity, high blood pressur...

In this week's episode, we’re using a historical naval mishap as a metaphor to explain how asthma works. Much like the Spanish ships accidentally firing on their own allies in 1801, asthma is caused by your immune system misfiring—targeting harmless particles like dust or allergens and causing inflammation in your airways. We’ll dive into the mechanics of asthma, explore the role of the immun...

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of kidneys, those incredible organs that tirelessly filter our blood and regulate our body’s fluids. We’ll explore the complexities of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), a genetic condition that affects a small percentage of the population but can lead to severe outcomes like kidney failure. Join us as we uncover the latest re...

In this episode, we explore the fascinating history of flu treatments, from bizarre and dangerous remedies of the past to the cutting-edge vaccines of today. We'll dive into the strange and often misguided methods used before the modern era, including addictive drugs, oysters, chloroform, and even chemical warfare agents. As we move into modern times, we'll discuss how vaccines, and newe...

In this episode, we delve into the gritty details of the stomach flu, focusing on the notorious Norovirus (stomach bug). Once overshadowed by Rotavirus, Norovirus now leads the charge in causing widespread acute gastroenteritis across all ages. We'll explore its symptoms, transmission, and why it thrives in closed environments like schools and cruise ships. Discover the surprising resilience...

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of lipids and their crucial role in our bodies. Lipids, or fats, are essential for many bodily functions but pose a challenge when circulating in our watery bloodstream. We explore how the body packages these lipids with apolipoproteins to form lipoproteins, making them safe for transport. We discuss the differences between high-density lipoprotein (HDL...

Curious about cannabis and migraines? In this episode, we explore the intriguing connection between the two. Discover how cannabis, historically used for headache relief, is making a comeback in medical circles despite legal hurdles. We dive into the endocannabinoid system, THC, CBD, and their potential impacts on migraine pathways. Learn about the latest research, including a groundbreaking clini...

Join us as we dive into the complexities of memory and its fascinating mechanisms. We'll explore the different types of memory, how they're formed, stored, and retrieved, and the various brain regions involved. Discover the stark differences between implicit and explicit memory, and learn why conditions like Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia disrupt these processes, leading to...