Knife Down
"Knife Down" is what a surgeon says in the OR when she puts her scalpel down so no one gets hurt — and it’s the mission here: put the knife down, long before anyone needs to use it.
Knife Down is a podcast about how to actually invest in your health so you can live longer, stronger, and with less time in doctors’ offices. The core focus is the world’s leading cause of death—cardiovascular disease—and what to do about it before it shows up as a catastrophe.
Hosted by a vascular surgeon on a mission to put herself out of business, the show translates cutting-edge science on prevention, metabolic health, and longevity into real-world strategies you can use in clinic or at your kitchen table. Expect evidence, nuance, and zero wellness hype—plus the occasional dark joke about the state of modern medicine.
Knife Down
Are We Treating Cholesterol Completely Wrong? | Vascular Surgeon Explains
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Cholesterol isn’t the villain you were taught to fear — it’s the fuel. And in this video, I’m breaking down why fuel isn’t the same thing as fire, and why most people are fighting the wrong battle when it comes to heart disease.
If you’ve ever stared at your LDL number and wondered, “Is this actually going to kill me?” — this one’s for you.
Most people obsess over cutting down a few trees… while ignoring the raging sparks flying everywhere.
In this episode, we cover:
✔️ Why LDL/ApoB matters — but why it’s only one piece of the risk puzzle
✔️ The metabolic “weather conditions” that turn plaque from slow embers into a wildfire
✔️ Why early detection (CAC, CIMT, CCTA) is the missing link in prevention
✔️ How to think like a surgeon when interpreting risk
✔️ And how to stop managing numbers and start managing danger
If you’re trying to understand your risk — not the average person’s — hit play.
Sign up for more information on my own practice here: https://corsighthealth.com/
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https://buymeacoffee.com/lilyjohnstonmd
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🧬 About Dr. Lily Johnston
Dr. Johnston is a double board-certified vascular and general surgeon in San Diego, specializing in metabolic and cardiovascular prevention. She’s the founder of CorSight Health and a passionate advocate for reimagining how medicine approaches chronic disease.