Ceramides as a New Biomarker for Cardiovascular Risk Prediction

Ceramides as a New Biomarker for Cardiovascular Risk Prediction Guest: Vlad C. Vasile, M.D., Ph.D. (@VladCVasile) Host: Stephen L. Kopecky, M.D. (@DrSteveKopecky) Ceramides are lipids that are ubiquitously expressed. They are present in all cell membranes. Some ceramides have been associated with risk of atherosclerotic disease in patients with known coronary artery disease. Researchers at Mayo Clinic and others have demonstrated that ceramides can also predict negative events in patients without known coronary artery disease. Joining us today to discuss ceramides is Vlad C. Vasile, M.D., Ph.D., a preventive cardiologist and co-director of Cardiovascular Laboratory Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Specific topics discussed: Ceramides and the ceramide score blood test Primary and secondary risk assessment for atherosclerotic events Using ceramide score in patients at intermediate risk Score modification via diet, exercise and lipid-lowering agents Testing for lipoprotein (a) Connect with Mayo Clinic's Cardiovascular Continuing Medical Education online at https://cveducation.mayo.edu or on Twitter @MayoClinicCV. No CME credit offered for this episode. Podcast episode transcript found here.