Heart disease can develop without symptoms, and cholesterol results may miss the risk. Dr. Greg Jones speaks with Campbell Rogers, MD, Chief Medical Officer at HeartFlow, about how coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and AI-powered plaque analysis help assess coronary artery disease.
Dr. Rogers explains FFR-CT blood flow analysis, LDL cholesterol, lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], and calcified versus non-calcified plaque. They discuss why a zero calcium score may not show all plaque and why a 70% blockage may not need a stent.
They also cover advanced lipid testing, CT contrast, who may benefit from cardiac imaging, and myths about cholesterol and statins. Learn what these tests reveal about heart attack risk and what to discuss with your doctor.
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📌 About Campbell Rogers, MD
Campbell Rogers, MD, is the Chief Medical Officer at HeartFlow, where he helps advance non-invasive technologies for assessing coronary artery disease through cardiac imaging, blood flow assessment, and plaque analysis. His work spans cardiovascular diagnostics, medical devices, research, and clinical care.
Previously, Dr. Rogers served as Chief Scientific Officer and Global Head of Research and Development at Cordis Corporation and Johnson & Johnson, and as an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology. He directed cardiac catheterization and experimental cardiovascular interventional laboratories at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He earned his A.B. from Harvard College and his M.D. from Harvard Medical School.
📌 Learn More About Campbell Rogers, MD
Website: https://www.heartflow.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/campbell-rogers-67952938
📌 Connect with Dr. Greg Jones
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🔗 Want to learn more? Check these resources:
American Heart Association – Cardiac Computed Tomography Angiography (CCTA): https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/diagnosing-a-heart-attack/cardiac-computed-tomography
American Heart Association – Lipoprotein(a) and Heart Health: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/genetic-conditions/lipoprotein-a-risks
NIH/NHLBI – Heart Tests (Coronary Calcium Scan): https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart-tests
🔬 Timestamps
Introduction and Dr. Rogers’ path to HeartFlow (00:00 – 03:48)
Why heart disease can develop without symptoms (03:48 – 05:38)
LDL particles, plaque buildup, and inflammation (05:38 – 08:45)
Why total cholesterol does not tell the full story (08:45 – 12:57)
How HeartFlow and coronary CT angiography work (12:57 – 15:39)
Understanding CT-derived fractional flow reserve (FFR-CT) (15:39 – 18:20)
Why a 70% blockage does not always mean a stent (18:20 – 20:44)
How HeartFlow analyzes coronary plaque (20:44 – 22:44)
Calcified vs. non-calcified plaque and heart attack risk (22:44 – 24:50)
What a zero coronary calcium score really means (24:50 – 27:12)
CT contrast, kidney function, and imaging safety (27:12 – 30:33)
Who might benefit from additional cardiac imaging? (30:33 – 34:02)
Heart disease risk in firefighters and former athletes (34:02 – 36:06)
Lipoprotein(a), advanced lipids, and cardiovascular risk (36:06 – 39:18)
Kick It or Keep It: cholesterol and heart health myths (39:18 – 43:26)
🔍Want to Learn More? (Research Citations)
Here is the science discussed in today’s episode:
PMID: 19081406 Lipid Levels in Hospitalized CAD Patients
PMID: 34773460 ApoB Lipoproteins and Heart Attack Risk
PMID: 26330417 FFR-CT: Clinical Outcomes in Suspected CAD
PMID: 34756652 2021 AHA/ACC Chest Pain Guidelines: Executive Summary
PMID: 22079127 Coronary Artery Disease With Zero Calcium Score: CONFIRM Registry
Disclaimer: The information shared on The Dr. Jones Optimization Podcast and its associated YouTube channel is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this podcast or viewing its content does not create a doctor–patient relationship, and nothing shared should be interpreted as individualized medical guidance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health regimen or managing a medical condition. The opinions expressed by Dr. Jones and his guests are their own and do not reflect official medical advice or recommendations.
