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The Role of PCSK9 Inhibitors for Patients with Hyperlipidemia
Zachary T. Bloomgarden, MD, MACE: We know that some individuals will receive a potent statin, or as much of a statin as they can tolerate (because some people develop really burdensome musculoskeletal complaints with statins). Yet, we’ll have evidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and have LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels [that] are above goal.
For such individuals, we now have a few choices [for treatment]. We can use the bile acid binding resins. We can use ezetimibe. We now can use the PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9) inhibitors, which are tremendously potent agents for lowering LDL cholesterol and seem to be rather well tolerated.
I think this, essentially, represents a huge advance in the way that the dyslipidemia will be treated going forward. There’s the cost issue. There’s all these other things which are so important. So, we have to see how it all plays out, but the fact that we have so many choices is only going to help us to do a better job.
AI in Health Care: Balancing Governance, Innovation, and Trust
September 2nd 2025In this conversation with Reuben Daniel, associate vice president of artificial intelligence at UPMC Health Plan, we dive into how UPMC Health Plan builds trust with providers and members, discuss challenges of scaling AI effectively, and hear about concrete examples of AI's positive impact.
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Infertility Coverage Boosts ART Use and Pregnancy Success: Richard A. Brook, MS, MBA
August 26th 2025In this episode, Richard A. Brook, MS, MBA, discusses his study showing that infertility treatment coverage increases assisted reproductive technology (ART) use and improves pregnancy outcomes.
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Food Insecurity Associated With Increased Long COVID Risk, Lower Recovery Rates
September 10th 2025Adults with food insecurity report higher rates of long COVID and lower recovery, with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation and employment status affecting these associations.
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