Is Heart Disease an Autoimmune Condition? with Dr Yousef Elyaman

Summary

In the inaugural episode of the Curious Cardiologist podcast, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj and Dr. Yousef Elyaman explore the concept of coronary artery disease as an autoimmune condition. They discuss the role of inflammation, the imbalance of T-helper and T-regulator cells, and the impact of lifestyle factors and toxins on heart health. The conversation delves into the glycocalyx, a newly recognized layer of the blood vessel, and the importance of dietary and lifestyle modifications in optimizing cardiovascular health. The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions that reveal personal insights from Dr. Elyaman.

Takeaways

Coronary artery disease may be viewed as an autoimmune condition.
Inflammation plays a significant role in heart disease.
The balance between T-helper and T-regulator cells is crucial for immune response.
Lifestyle factors can significantly influence autoimmune conditions.
Toxins and environmental factors can alter the body's immune response.
The glycocalyx is an important layer in understanding cardiovascular health.
Testing for autoimmune markers is still in the experimental phase.
Dietary modifications can help improve cardiovascular health.
Cold exposure may help regulate immune responses.
Living in alignment with our biological design is essential for health.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Curious Cardiologist Podcast
02:01 Coronary Artery Disease: A New Perspective
05:05 The Role of Autoimmunity in Heart Disease
08:01 Understanding T-Cells and Inflammation
10:58 The Complexity of Heart Attacks
12:54 Optimizing T-Cell Ratios for Heart Health
15:13 Lifestyle Factors and Autoimmunity
19:39 The Impact of Toxins on Heart Health
22:21 The Glycocalyx: A New Layer of Understanding
25:43 Understanding Glycocalyx and Autoimmunity
28:46 Clinical Testing and Cardiovascular Health
31:37 Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications for Health
34:55 The Role of Molecular Mimicry in Autoimmunity
37:22 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights

What is The Curious Cardiologist?

Rethinking heart health, one question at a time.

I’m Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj—interventional cardiologist, functional medicine expert, and lifelong student of what really keeps us well. In this podcast, we go beyond prescriptions and procedures to explore the deeper drivers of health, disease, and healing.

From inflammation to intuition, cholesterol to consciousness, I sit down with doctors, researchers, and changemakers who are reshaping how we think about the heart—and the whole human behind it.

Whether you're a fellow clinician, a health seeker, or someone navigating your own transformation, this show will challenge what you thought you knew—and invite you to stay curious.