In todays Health Alert, a promising new type of pill dramatically lowered artery-clogging cholesterol in a study of patients at high risk for heart attacks. Early research suggests it may lower LDL cholesterol in patients who need more than statins alone.

Ask Dr. Nandi: Why Enlicitide may offer a new option for millions with high cholesterol

This new pill is called Enlicitide. Its still experimental, but the results are getting a lot of attention.

Now, most cholesterol medicines people are familiar with, like statins, work by blocking an enzyme the liver uses to make cholesterol. This helps the liver clear more cholesterol from the blood. But for some folks, statins are not enough to lower their LDL, or bad cholesterol. So, they may need PCSK9 inhibitors, which are injectable medications. These work by stopping a protein called PCSK9, which breaks down LDL receptors. Those receptors act like tiny catchers on liver cells that pull bad cholesterol out of the blood.

Thats where Enlicitide could help. It has the same effect as these PCSK9 inhibitors, but in pill form. In a large study of over 2,900 high-risk patients who were being treated for high cholesterol, researchers found that adding this daily pill lowered LDL cholesterol by as much as 60 percent in just six months. Not only is that a very significant drop, but if approved, it could become the first pill form of a PCSK9 inhibitor.

This pill would likely be aimed at people who are already taking statins and following medical advice - but still arent getting their LDL low enough. That includes folks whove had a heart attack or stroke.

Unfortunately, heart disease is the number one killer in this country, and high LDL cholesterol plays a big role. Thats why doctors focus so much on getting those numbers down.

As for side effects of Enlicitide, researchers didnt see safety differences between people taking the experimental pill and those taking a placebo over a year. The main drawback was that the pill needs to be taken on an empty stomach.

Its also important to note that while this pill lowers cholesterol very effectively, researchers are still studying whether that reduction translates into fewer heart attacks, strokes, or deaths. A much larger study is underway to answer that question, and those results take time.

This Week on the Dr. Nandi Show

Dr. Partha Nandi, MD explores the impact of bowel movements and how various conditions can affect your health. In this episode, he delves into the effects of constipation with registered dietitian Latrice Banks. Learn why women, the elderly, and children are at higher risk for this widespread issue and discover practical advice for managing and preventing constipation. Tune in this Saturday, February 7th at 1:30 PM.

In todays Health Alert, heart disease remains the number one killer of women in the United States, yet many women still dont see it as their biggest health threat. The warning signs can look different than mens, and they can be easy to miss.

Ask Dr. Nandi: What are the heart disease warning signs women should look for?

Heart disease is often thought of as a mans disease. But the reality is, heart disease causes about one in five deaths among women in the U.S., and it affects women of all ages.

Now, one big reason its so dangerous is awareness. The CDC found that only about 56 percent of women realize heart disease is their top health risk. Many women worry about cancer, especially breast cancer, when, statistically, heart disease is far more likely to be deadly.

Another issue is how symptoms show up. For years, womens symptoms were called atypical, but thats misleading. Women are more than half the population, and their symptoms can look different. While men often describe crushing chest pain, women are 30% less likely to report it. Instead, it may feel like chest discomfort or pain in the neck, jaw, upper back, or arms. They may also have nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fatigue that wont go away.

Because of that, women often wait longer to seek help. And even then, unfortunately, its not uncommon to be told their symptoms have nothing to do with their heart.

The American Heart Association has something called Lifes Essential 8, which focuses on protecting heart health. What I like about Lifes Essential 8 is that theyre great for both women and men.

First is eating better. That means focusing on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean protein, nuts, seeds, and healthy oils.

Second is physical activity. Adults should aim for about two and a half hours of moderate exercise each week, or 75 minutes of more intense activity.

Third is quitting tobacco. Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and greatly increases the risk of heart disease.

Next is sleep. Adults need seven to nine hours a night. Poor sleep affects blood pressure, blood sugar, and inflammation - all major heart risks.

Then its about managing weight, controlling cholesterol, and keeping blood sugar and blood pressure in check. High blood pressure is especially dangerous for womens hearts and is often underdiagnosed.

So heres my advice. Women need to be strong advocates for their health. Bring questions to your doctor and discuss symptoms, even if they feel vague. If heart disease is a concern, ask about testing and follow-up.

In todays Health Alert, Americas Poison Centers says weather-related calls are rising nationwide, including carbon monoxide poisonings.  More than a quarter of the winter-related poison center calls involve children under the age of six.  The spike comes after last weekends winter storm, which led to power outages and unsafe heating conditions. 

What to know about keeping kids safe from carbon monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide is very dangerous. Since its colorless and odorless, people often dont realize its there until symptoms start. Poisoning happens when carbon monoxide builds up indoors, and too much is breathed in.

Children, especially babies and toddlers, are at higher risk because they breathe faster and absorb more carbon monoxide relative to their body weight.

Symptoms are often described as flu-like and include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, or confusion. People can pass out, lose consciousness, or even die from it.

Here in Michigan, roughly 800 people end up in emergency rooms every year because of carbon monoxide poisoning. Deaths can vary, but in 2023, 31 Michiganders died. Across the country, about 400 people die from CO poisoning each year.

Now, many cases happen between December and February, which makes sense. Exposure often happens during power outages or extreme cold, when people try to stay warm in unsafe ways. This includes running portable generators indoors or too close to the house, using grills or camp stoves inside, or relying on gas ovens and unvented space heaters for heat.

To treat carbon monoxide poisoning, doctors usually give pure oxygen through a mask at the hospital. In serious cases, patients may need a ventilator or an oxygen chamber.

As for prevention, every home should have carbon monoxide detectors on every level and near sleeping areas. If you can, choose a detector with a digital readout so you can see rising levels before they become dangerous. Test all detectors at least twice a year and change the batteries as needed. Replace the units according to the manufacturers instructions, or about every five years.

Also, have your heating systems, water heaters, and fuel-burning appliances serviced every year. And never use grills, camp stoves, or flameless heaters indoors. Portable generators should always be used outside never indoors, including inside garages, even with the garage door open. Generators should be at least 20 feet away from the home, with the exhaust directed away from all doors and windows.

If carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected, get to fresh air immediately and call 911 right away.

This Week on the Dr. Nandi Show

Join Dr. Partha Nandi, MD as he dives into hormone replacement therapy (HRT).  Discover how HRT can boost hormone levels and reduce bone fractures while also exploring the controversies and potential dangers.  Endocrinologist Dr. Abdul Al-Kassab joins Dr. Nandi to provide deeper insights and expert opinions on this hot topic.  Tune in this Sunday, February 1st, at 5 pm.

In todays Health Alert, if youve ever been told to bundle up or youll get sick, youre not alone. However, research shows that cold temperatures dont cause infections on their own. Instead, they influence factors that can make it easier to get infected.

Cold weather isn't the blame for making you sick, but here's how it plays a role

Its unfortunate, but cold and dry air does help germs live longer. Research shows viruses like the flu and coronaviruses stay infectious longer in colder, low-humidity conditions.

Its also very dry in winter, and that affects how respiratory droplets behave. When we talk, breathe, sneeze or cough, we release droplets, and these can quickly dry out and shrink. Smaller particles can hang in the air longer, leaving more chances for someone to breathe them in.

Plus, our defenses can be affected. Breathing in cold air cools the inside of your nose and airways, causing blood vessels to shrink. With less blood flow, immune cells dont work as well, making it easier for viruses to take hold before your body can fight them off.

On top of that, the mucus in our airways can also be affected by the cold. The job of mucus is to trap germs and move them out. But when it dries out, that system doesnt work as well.

So while cold air doesnt create viruses, it can give them an advantage once youre exposed.

In winter, with the cold temperatures and shorter days, people spend more time indoors and often close together. With windows closed and poor ventilation, virus-containing droplets can build up and linger longer in the air. We also get less sun exposure, which means less Vitamin D. This vitamin helps support the immune system, so low levels can make it harder to fight off germs.

So what can people do? Try improving indoor ventilation by opening windows for a few minutes each day. If its too cold, air purifiers with HEPA filters can help, or turn on exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to keep air moving. Keeping indoor humidity at a healthy level also helps keep airways moist and makes it harder for viruses to linger.

Of course, dont forget to wash your hands often, avoid touching your face and stay home when youre sick. Be sure to take care of your immune health with good sleep, balanced nutrition and talking with your health care provider about vitamin D if youre concerned.

Cold weather doesnt make you sick by itself. But it can set the stage for viruses to survive, spread and slip past our defenses.