The GP Podcast is on its summer break through July and August, returning with Series 2 in September 2026. In the meantime, we are re-releasing some of our highlights from Series 1 each fortnight. Happy Summer and thanks for listening!
The Irish College of GPs 2026-27 #Be a GP Campaign is now live.
With 13 schemes over 4 regions in Ireland, train as a GP and make a genuine difference to the lives of people and communities. As a trainee, you will benefit from a supportive training environment to develop your skills, and you can enhance this further through fellowship opportunities. And a s a qualified GP specialist, you can enjoy clinical variety with the opportunity to work as part of a team to deliver high-quality care in the community.
So If you or someone you know is interested in specialist training in General Practice in Ireland, check out
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Participants
- Dr Eamonn O’Shea, Cardiovascular Lead, Irish College of GPs
- Dr David McConaghy, Prevention Lead, Irish College of GPs
- Dr John Maher, GP - Host
Summary
Eamonn and David discuss the positive impact of appropriately managing elevated lipids on cardiovascular risk, focusing on LDL cholesterol targets for different risk groups, the initiation of lipid-lowering therapy, management of side effects, and therapeutics considerations for women of childbearing age.
They also highlight the opportunity presented by the HSE Prevention Programme (OCF, PP and CDM) to review and optimise LDL target levels based on risk stratification. They discuss therapies including how and when to initiate bempedoic acid, the role of integrated care hubs, and the emerging measurement of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] as an independent risk factor.
Links
Disclaimer
The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace independent clinical judgment or consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
The views and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the Irish College of GPs.
Listeners are encouraged to review current clinical guidelines, product labelling, and relevant policies before applying any information discussed in this podcast.
This podcast does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. Healthcare professionals should exercise their own professional judgment in evaluating and applying information to specific clinical situations. Patients or members of the public should seek advice from their own qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment. It may not be possible or appropriate in all circumstances to follow the advice/processes suggested in this podcast, for example due to resource availability.
While efforts are made to ensure accuracy, medicine is a constantly evolving field, and no guarantee is made regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information presented.
By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree that the hosts, guests, producers, affiliated organizations and the Irish College of GPs are not liable for any direct or indirect consequences resulting from the use of the information provided.