In episode 201, James and Mike continue on with deconstructing the concept of cholesterol measuring and lowering. We talk about various scenarios as to when one could measure cholesterol but quickly come to the realization that if one looks at the best science and uses a logical thought process, the whole concept of cholesterol measurement for individual patients is unfortunately built upon a house of cards.

Show notes

1) Meta-Analysis Comparing Mediterranean to Low-Fat Diets for Modification of Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Amer J Med 2011;124:841-51

In episode 200, James and Mike unveil the new BS Medicine Podcast. For their first topic they rant on and on about why most cholesterol measurements are pretty much a waste of time. We talk about how the breakpoints are arbitrary and lack any specific logic and that given the within-person variation, annual measurements really don’t have any value. At the end we brilliantly segue to a discussion on cranberry juice for UTIs.

Show notes

1) AACE Cholesterol Guidelines  

Endocr Pract 2012;18:1-78

2) 2012 update of the Canadian Cardiovascular Society guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of dyslipidemia for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in the adult

Can J Cardiol 2013;29:151-67

3) The SANDS Randomised Trial

JAMA 2008;299:1678-89

4) Monitoring cholesterol levels: Measurement Error or True Change?

Ann Intern Med 2008;148:656-61

5) Do you need to know cholesterol to assess risk?

Arch Intern Med 2012;172:1766-8

5) When to remeasure cardiovascular risk in untreated people at low and intermediate risk:observational study

BMJ 2013;346:f1895

Hi Everyone: Well, after 5 years, 199 episodes, ~ 120 hours of content = 24 hours a day for 5 days, James and Mike have decided to pull the plug on the TEC podcast. We want to thank all the listeners – some who have listened to them all – for trusting in the content that we provide.

BUT DON’T YOU WORRY.

We are coming back with more of the same and maybe a little bit more. We’ve never really liked the name “TEC podcast” so we’ve decided to make a name change and a logo change.

From now on the podcast will be known as

The Best Science (BS) Medicine Podcast – BS without the BS

Hope you like the change and let us know what you think.

In episode 199, Mike, James and Adil finish off the ADHD series by talking about the side effects and concerns for the stimulants and the evidence behind the use of non-stimulant medications. At the end Mike and James are so excited about the upcoming 200th episode they can hardly sit still so Adil starts a stat stimulant infusion on both of them.

Show notes

1) Cardiovascular Effects of Methylphenidate, Amphetamines and Atomoxetine in 
the Treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Drug Saf 2010; 33: 821-842