Interview with Christie M. Ballantyne, MD

How has Clinical Lipidology: A Companion to Braunwald’s Heart Disease, 3rd Edition evolved since the previous edition? How has it evolved since the first edition?  

There has been a remarkable amount of progress in basic science along with translational and clinical research with many new exciting, targeted therapies recently approved or in development. We have sought to make all this information easier to access for clinicians in shorter more focused chapters.  

What is the most exciting aspect of the new edition? What chapter or topic covered in Clinical Lipidology: A Companion to Braunwald’s Heart Disease, 3rd Edition are you most excited about?  

We provide comprehensive updates on clinical guidelines and pathophysiology and provide practical advice from the top experts in the world on the role of genetic testing, risk assessment, biomarkers, imaging and how to treat difficult conditions such as familial hypercholesterolemia with updates on diet, exercise, and new pharmacotherapies.  

Who will find the greatest value from this book and why? Has the audience changed since Clinical Lipidology: A Companion to Braunwald’s Heart Disease, 3rd Edition first published? 

I think a wide range of individuals will find the book to be of great value ranging from specialist in cardiology and endocrinology along with primary care physicians such as internal medicine and family practice who have an interest in prevention.  

What new ideas, practices, or procedures would you like to highlight for the new edition?  

The book will provide the latest information on all clinical aspects of diagnosis and management of lipid disorders in a much more condensed format that is easier to use than prior versions.  

What problem do you hope the future generation of cardiologists will be able to solve?  

This book touches on the future of biomarkers, proteomics, gene editing and gene therapy along with novel RNA silencing therapies in development  

About the Author

Christie Ballantyne, Chief of the Section of Cardiovascular Research and Director of the Center for Cardiometabolic Disease Prevention at Baylor College of Medicine, Professor of Medicine, Professor of Medicine, Molecular and Human Genetics, and Integrative Physiology in Houston, Texas

Purchase your copy of Clinical Lipidology: A Companion to Braunwald’s Heart Disease, 3rd Edition here!