< 1 Minute Lesezeit |

#96 - Know Your Risk: Heart Attack, Cholesterol & Genetics | Prof. Heribert Schunkert on Men's Health

Men's health podcast

Men's health podcast

Expert knowledge on testosterone and men's health

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in men, but the risk is not just a matter of fate. In this episode, Prof. Dr. Heribert Schunkert, one of Germany's leading cardiologists, talks about the real causes of heart attacks, atherosclerosis, and coronary heart disease – and why genetics and lifestyle must always be considered together.

 

We talk about how smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, inflammation, and elevated blood lipids damage the vessels, what role LDL, triglycerides, and lipoprotein(a) really play, and why many popular blood values are often misunderstood. We also cover genetic predisposition, familial hypercholesterolemia, polygenic risk scores, and the crucial question: What can you specifically do to prevent heart attacks and vascular diseases early on?

 

Topics in this episode:

 

  • How atherosclerosis and heart attacks really develop

  • Why smoking, vaping, and nicotine damage the vessels

  • High blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity as major risk factors

  • LDL, triglycerides, ApoB, and lipoprotein(a) explained clearly

  • Why HDL is not simply the "good cholesterol"

  • Genetics, family history, and modern screening for heart disease

  • Why prevention is even more effective the higher the genetic risk

  • The role of exercise, stress reduction, and early lifestyle changes

 

If you want to understand how to better assess your personal heart attack risk and specifically protect your heart health, then this episode is a must-listen. 

Links zum Podcast

Spotify Apple Music YouTube

Related articles

#82 - Muskelaufbau, Fettverlust & Longevity - so geht's richtig | Johannes Walter bei Männergesundheit

#82 - Muscle building, fat loss & longevity - the right way to do it | Johannes Walter at Men's Health

In this episode of the men's health podcast, Dr. Jonathan Apasu talks with Johannes Walter, an experienced strength trainer and coach, about the crucial factors for sustainable muscle growth, effective fat loss, and long-term health. The focus is not on short-term aesthetics, but on strength training as a central lever for performance, hormonal balance, and longevity. At the beginning, Johannes talks about his personal start in strength training and his path to becoming a personal trainer. He explains why many men start with the desire for a better body, but stay with it in the long term for more energy, resilience, and health. He particularly highlights how training goals and priorities change with age – from an aesthetic focus in young years to efficiency, regeneration, and prevention later in life. A central part of the episode is dedicated to the most important principles of muscle growth. Johannes explains why training volume must be adjusted depending on training age, why regeneration is often underestimated, and what role protein plays in training and fat loss. In doing so, he debunks common fitness myths and shows why simple, consistently implemented fundamentals are more successful in the long term than complicated programs. Particularly exciting is the discussion about machine versus free weight training. Contrary to earlier teachings, Johannes shows that machines can be just as effective as free weights for pure muscle growth – while at the same time having a lower risk of injury. Especially for men who want to train efficiently and stay healthy in the long term, machines offer clear advantages, as they enable controlled training close to muscle failure without falling into dangerous form failure. The topic of fat loss is also treated in a practical way. Johannes explains why a calorie deficit is crucial, what role everyday movement plays, and why stress is often an underestimated factor for body fat, especially visceral fat. Diet trends, detox concepts, and fitness hypes are critically assessed and replaced by realistic, everyday-practical strategies. Another focus is on stress management, sleep, and men's health. Johannes emphasizes that sleep quality is one of the strongest levers for regeneration, testosterone levels, and performance. In addition, the topic of testosterone and TRT is contextualized – with a clear focus on lifestyle optimization before medical measures are considered. Finally, Johannes gives concrete, actionable tips for everyday life: sensible strength training with manageable time commitment, sufficient protein intake, regular movement, stress reduction, and consistent sleep prioritization. The episode is aimed at men who not only want to become stronger and fitter, but also want to stay healthy, high-performing, and resilient in the long term – without fitness myths, without ego, but with a sustainable training approach.

Learn more
#126 - Digitale Zwillinge: Wie persönlich kann Medizin werden? | Prof. Rrobin Wilkening bei Männergesundheit

#126 - Digital Twins: How Personal Can Medicine Become? | Prof. Rrobin Wilkening on Men's Health

What if artificial intelligence could know your entire health status and predict how your body would develop through certain changes? Prof. Robin, epidemiologist and professor of health sciences and public health, is researching exactly this vision. With his research project "Open Twin", he is developing a digital twin of a human that combines health data from wearables, blood tests, genetic information, and medical examinations.

Learn more
#80 - So alterst Du richtig - Die besten Tipps | Dr. Hani Al-Mohamed bei Männergesundheit

#80 - How to Age Properly - The Best Tips | Dr. Hani Al-Mohamed on Men's Health

In this comprehensive podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan Apasu speaks with Dr. Hani Al-Mohamed, a long-time senior physician in geriatrics and now a mentor for entrepreneurs over 50, about the key building blocks for healthy aging, holistic prevention, and sustainable performance. The exchange vividly illustrates how modern medicine, while highly specialized, is too rarely focused on prevention. Dr. Hani explains why geriatrics, as the medicine of old age, is a prime example of how interdisciplinary teams—comprising physicians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and social workers—can guide people, even from the most severe conditions, back to independence and quality of life. The case of a patient who required intensive care for an extended period and regained the ability to walk within just a few weeks thanks to targeted geriatric interventions is particularly compelling. A central focus of the conversation is the influence of prevention – especially exercise – on longevity and health. Dr. Hani describes why, according to studies, exercise is just as effective or even more effective than medication for many illnesses. He explains the role of strength training, endurance, balance, and mobility, and why muscles are a highly active metabolic organ that processes glucose, produces myokines, and prevents diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. At the same time, he warns of risks such as improper strain and herniated discs, which often result from incorrect training, poor technique, or lack of mobility. Another key topic is the critical use of medication in old age. Many geriatric patients take long lists of medications – often unnecessarily or outdated. Dr. Hani explains how he systematically reviewed which medications are truly beneficial in his clinic and clarifies the importance of lists such as the PRISCUS or FORTA lists for safe and rational pharmacotherapy. Dr. Hani particularly emphasizes the importance of mindset: health begins in the mind. Many men, especially entrepreneurs, prioritize career, family, and responsibilities for decades, while their own health takes a back seat. He demonstrates how crucial an inner, emotional drive is for lasting change – and why fear ("If you continue like this, you'll have a heart attack...") is significantly less effective than positive motivation. Goals such as professional performance, vitality for the family, or the ability to be active with one's grandchildren create a long-term readiness for change. In conclusion, Dr. Hani describes the biggest levers for men 50+: a clear mindset, regular exercise, optimized nutrition, micronutrient diagnostics, stress reduction through HRV analysis, and sleep optimization – one of the fastest ways to more energy, better regeneration and hormonal balance. This episode offers a deep insight into modern preventive medicine and answers the question of how men can not only live longer, but better: productive, healthy and self-determined into old age.

Learn more