Healthier World with Quest Diagnostics

By Quest Diagnostics

Healthier World with Quest Diagnostics aims to prompt action from insight as we keep you up to date on current clinical and diagnostic topics in cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, and wellness medi... more

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FAQs about Healthier World with Quest Diagnostics:

How many episodes does Healthier World with Quest Diagnostics have?

The podcast currently has 20 episodes available.

Healthier World with Quest Diagnostics episodes:

August 18, 2025Actions From Insight: GLP-1 receptor agonists and Building Healthy Habits (24 min)
Obesity affects over 40% of adults in the United States. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, a class of medications initially developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, have shown significant efficacy in promoting weight loss and are increasingly prescribed for obesity management. In today’s episode, Millicent Kee, MSN, FNP-BC, Clinical and Education Specialist, and Patty Bianchi, MS, RDN, CDCES, Clinical Educator at Quest Diagnostics Center of Excellence at Cleveland HeartLab, will discuss GLP-1 receptor agonists, their actions in the body, and the important role of nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle alongside these medications.
This episode will
Discuss the actions of GLP-1 receptor agonists in the body (1:38)
Discuss how GLP-1s influence appetite and hunger (3:18)
Discuss the role of nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle while on GLP-1 therapy (6:38)
Discuss how weight loss may also improve cardiometabolic health and lower insulin resistance utilizing a patient example (18:00)
To learn more, please review the additional resources below for information on our cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, and wellness offerings as well as educational resources and insights from our team of experts. At Quest Diagnostics, we are committed to providing you with results and insights to support your clinical decisions.
Date: 8/2025
Speaker(s): Millicent Kee, MSN, FNP-BC; Patricia Bianchi, MS, RDN, CDCES
Contributor(s): Millicent Kee, MSN, FNP-BC; Patricia Bianchi, MS, RDN, CDCES; Maeson Latsko, PhD; Trisha Winchester, PhD

Additional Resources
Quest Diagnostics Clinical Education Center [Link]

References:
Neff LM, Kushner RF. Emerging role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of obesity. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2010 Jul 20; 3:263-73. doi: 10.2147/dmsott. s6816

Stierman B, Afful J, Carroll MD, et al. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–March 2020 prepandemic data files development of files and prevalence estimates for selected health outcomes. Natl Health Stat Report. 2021;158. doi: 10.15620/cdc:106273

Related Content (what will be linked on sidebar of the CEC):
FAQ
CardioIQ® Insulin Resistance Panel with Score | Quest Diagnostics

Additional Resources
Weight management and cardiometabolic health | Quest Diagnostics

Audio Podcast
Instant Insight: Metabolic Risk Panel | Quest Diagnostics
Action From Insight: Tackling Insulin Resistance | Quest Diagnostics

Conference Presentation
Measures of Insulin Resistance (IR) Increase with Increasing BMI in a Population of Normoglycemic Working Adults | Quest Diagnostics

On-Demand Webinar
Detecting and Managing Insulin Resistance | Quest Diagnostics
...more
24min
August 04, 2025Instant Insights: Streamlining Cardiometabolic Disease Assessment (7 min)
In this special episode of Healthier World designed to give you Instant Insights, we review a panel that takes a deeper look at cardiovascular, renal, hepatic, endocrine, and metabolic health—a network of systems that work together to determine a person’s long-term health. Today we will break down what this panel includes and how it can help prevent the onset of chronic disease years before symptoms start.
This episode will
Explain why this panel was created (1:10)
Examine how the panel provides a comprehensive view of cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, renal, and hepatic risk (3:35)
Discuss the clinical relevance of this panel in prevention screening and risk stratification for cardiometabolic conditions (5:30)
To learn more, please review the additional resources below for information on our cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, and wellness offerings as well as educational resources and insights from our team of experts. At Quest Diagnostics, we are committed to providing you with results and insights to support your clinical decisions.
Date: 8/2025
Speaker(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD
Contributor(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD; Trisha Winchester, PhD; Millicent Kee, MSN, FNP-BC; Kathryn Morales; Abhi Patel

Resources
Quest Diagnostics Clinical Education Center [Link]
Podcast: The Cardiometabolic approach to modern disease risk assessment

Ordering information:
Cardiometabolic Disease Assessment (CMDA) Panel | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics
...more
7min
July 14, 2025Instant insights: Myeloperoxidase uncovered (6 min)
In this special episode of Healthier World designed to give you Instant Insights, we explore a vascular-specific inflammatory marker that can indicate risk for cardiometabolic disease and all-cause mortality—myeloperoxidase. In this episode, we break down the biology and function of MPO, its contribution to vascular inflammation, and its potential as a biomarker of vulnerable soft plaque in the arteries.
This episode will
Define myeloperoxidase (MPO) and describe its biological function (1:20)
Explain the relationship between MPO and vascular inflammation (2:15)
Recognize the role of MPO in cardiometabolic disease (2:55)
Review treatment considerations for elevated MPO (3:45)
The content was current as of the time of recording. To learn more, please review the additional resources below for information on our cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, and wellness offerings as well as educational resources and insights from our team of experts. At Quest Diagnostics, we are committed to providing you with results and insights to support your clinical decisions.

Date: 7/2025
Speaker(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD
Contributor(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD; Trisha Winchester, PhD; Millicent Kee, MSN, FNP-BC

Additional Resources
Ordering information:
MPO ordering information
MPO Test Summary
Quest Diagnostics Clinical Education Center [Link]

References:
Iakoubova OA, Haji-Sheikhi F, Louie JZ, et al. Association of MPO levels with cardiometabolic disease stratified by atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk and intensity of therapy in a workforce population. Sci Rep. 2025;15(1):12244. Published 2025 Apr 10. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-89373-7
...more
6min
June 30, 2025From inflammation to action: MPO’s role in chronic disease (14 min)
Inflammation plays a critical role in cardiometabolic diseases, but traditional risk markers like LDL-C and hs-CRP don’t tell the whole story. Myeloperoxidase (MPO), an enzyme linked to oxidative stress and immune activation, may offer a deeper look into hidden cardiovascular and metabolic risk. In this episode, Dr Marc Penn unpacks the new research examining the association between MPO and the risk for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) across atherogenic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk groups and what it might mean for prevention and tailored treatment.

This episode will
Define MPO (1:30, 5:00)
Explain the role of MPO as an inflammatory biomarker and how it differs from traditional cardiometabolic risk markers (2:00)
Reveal relationships between MPO, CKD, and NAFLD (7:00)
Outline how providers can use MPO to enhance risk stratification and personalize treatment strategies (9:25)
Inform listeners on the importance of early detection and prevention of risk factors for cardiometabolic risk (13:00)

The content was current as of the time of recording. To learn more, please review the additional resources below for information on our cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, and wellness offerings as well as educational resources and insights from our team of experts. At Quest Diagnostics, we are committed to providing you with results and insights to support your clinical decisions.

Date: 6/2025
Speaker(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD; Dr Marc Penn
Contributor(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD; Trisha Winchester, PhD; Kathryn Morales, MS

Additional Resources
Ordering information
MPO ordering information
Quest Diagnostics Clinical Education Center [Link]
References
Iakoubova OA, Haji-Sheikhi F, Louie JZ, et al. Association of MPO levels with cardiometabolic disease stratified by atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk and intensity of therapy in a workforce population. Sci Rep. 2025;15(1):12244. Published 2025 Apr 10. doi:10.1038/s41598-025-89373-7
...more
15min
June 16, 2025Instant insights: Lipoprotein fractionation for personalized risk assessment (8 min)
In this special episode of Healthier World designed to give you Instant Insights, we dive into advanced lipid testing—going beyond a standard lipid panel. Today, we will explore two powerful tools used to look at lipoprotein fractionation: ion mobility and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). We will look at how these tests work and how they can uncover hidden risk for cardiovascular disease.
This episode will
Expand on the importance of lipoprotein fractionation by ion mobility and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) (1:15)
Interpret key lipid analytes provided using two methodologies, NMR and ion mobility, as they relate to cardiovascular disease risk (LDL: 3:00, HDL: 4:40, VLDL: 5:30, LDL pattern and LDL peak size: 6:00)
Evaluate report analytes and risk cut points between methods (6:45)
The content was current as of the time of recording. To learn more, please review the additional resources below for information on our cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, and wellness offerings as well as educational resources and insights from our team of experts. At Quest Diagnostics, we are committed to providing you with results and insights to support your clinical decisions.
Date: 6/2025
Speaker(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD
Contributor(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD; Trisha Winchester, PhD; Millicent Kee, MSN, FNP-BC; Abhi Patel

Additional Resources
Ordering information:
Quest Diagnostics Clinical Education Center [Link]

Fractionation, Ion Mobility
Fractionation, NMR

References:
Cromwell WC, Otvos JD, Keyes MJ, et al. LDL Particle Number and Risk of Future Cardiovascular Disease in the Framingham Offspring Study - Implications for LDL Management. J Clin Lipidol. 2007;1(6):583-592. doi:10.1016/j.jacl.2007.10.001

German CA, Shapiro MD. Assessing Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk with Advanced Lipid Testing: State of the Science. Eur Cardiol. 2020;15:e56. doi:10.15420/ecr.2019.18

Quesada JA, Bertomeu-González V, Orozco-Beltrán D, et al. The benefits of measuring the size and number of lipoprotein particles for cardiovascular risk prediction: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Investig Arterioscler. 2023;35(4):165-177. doi:10.1016/j.arteri.2022.11.001
...more
9min
June 02, 2025Instant insights: Rethinking Primary Aldosteronism Diagnosis (7 min)
In this special episode of Healthier World designed to give you Instant Insights, we take a look at primary aldosteronism (PA)- an often underdiagnosed, yet prevalent cause of hypertension. In this episode, we challenge traditional screening methods and introduce a streamlined diagnostic approach. By recognizing the signs of Primary Aldosteronism earlier, providers can improve patient outcomes and avoid increased risk for cardiovascular and metabolic conditions associated with untreated PA.
This episode will
Explain the mechanisms underlying PA and how they disrupt the normal renin-aldosterone feedback system (1:15)
Highlight the limitations of traditional methodology, including the aldosterone-renin-ratio (ARR) (2:25)
Introduce a streamlined approach focused on the detection of suppressed renin followed by evaluation of aldosterone levels (3:00)
Walk through an example comparing the ARR with the suppressed renin approach for assessing PA (5:05)

The content was current as of the time of recording. To learn more, please review the additional resources below for information on our cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, and wellness offerings as well as educational resources and insights from our team of experts. At Quest Diagnostics, we are committed to providing you with results and insights to support your clinical decisions.
Date: 6/2025
Speaker(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD
Contributor(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD; Trisha Winchester, PhD; Millicent Kee, MSN, FNP-BC; Akhil Singh
Additional Resources:
https://www.questdiagnostics.com/healthcare-professionals/about-our-tests/endocrine-disorders/primary-aldosteronism
Ordering information:
Plasma Renin Activity with Reflex to Aldosterone | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics

References:
Marcelli M, Bi C, Funder JW, McPhaul MJ. Comparing ARR Versus Suppressed PRA as Screening Tests for Primary Aldosteronism. Hypertension. 2024;81(10):2072-2081. doi:10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.124.22884

Dogra P, Bancos I, Young WF Jr. Primary Aldosteronism: A Pragmatic Approach to Diagnosis and Management. Mayo Clin Proc. 2023;98(8):1207-1215. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2023.04.023
...more
7min
May 12, 2025Primary aldosteronism: Next steps in care (18 min)
Understanding the diagnosis and treatment in primary aldosteronism (PA) often feels elusive to most providers. PA is marked by the elevation of aldosterone and the suppression of renin leading to a disproportionately higher risk of cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic disease compared to those patients with essential hypertension, yet this condition is often undiagnosed. This episode will discuss the use of the Plasma Renin Activity lab to screen for primary aldosteronism and guideline-directed care of PA. In today’s episode, Maeson Latsko, PhD and Millicent Kee, MSN, FNP-BC, Clinical and Education Specialists at Quest Diagnostics Center of Excellence at Cleveland Heartlab, will discuss the next steps in care once primary aldosteronism has been identified.
This episode will
Discuss the prevalence of PA and its impact on health (1:30)
Discuss use of the PRA lab to screen for PA (4:15)
Review current diagnosis and treatment guidelines for PA (mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA) treatment: 6:50, MRA considerations: 13:00)
Discuss how providers can utilize current treatment guidelines (referral: 9:45, imaging: 11:00, surgical evaluation: 11:45)
The content was current as of the time of recording. To learn more, please review the additional resources below for information on our cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, and wellness offerings as well as educational resources and insights from our team of experts. At Quest Diagnostics, we are committed to providing you with results and insights to support your clinical decisions.
Date: 5/2025
Speaker(s): Millicent Kee, MSN, FNP-BC; Maeson Latsko, PhD
Contributor(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD; Millicent Kee; MSN, FNP-BC; Trisha Winchester, PhD; Sanjay Dixit, MD; Akhil Singh

Additional Resources
Ordering information:
Quest Diagnostics Clinical Education Center [Link]

Plasma Renin Activity with Reflex to Aldosterone | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics

https://www.questdiagnostics.com/healthcare-professionals/about-our-tests/endocrine-disorders/primary-aldosteronism

References:
Auchus RJ. Approaching Primary Aldosteronism as a Common Disease. Endocr Pract. 2023;29(12):994-998. doi:10.1016/j.eprac. 2023.08.014

Brown JM, Tsai LC, Abel EE, et al. Nationwide, Pragmatic, Direct-to-Patient Primary Aldosteronism Testing Program. Hypertension. 2025 Feb 21. doi: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.125.24648.

Funder JW, Carey RM, Mantero F, et al. The Management of Primary Aldosteronism: Case Detection, Diagnosis, and Treatment: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101(5):1889-1916. doi:10.1210/jc.2015-4061

Marcelli M, Bi C, Funder JW, McPhaul MJ. Comparing ARR Versus Suppressed PRA as Screening Tests for Primary Aldosteronism. Hypertension. 2024;81(10):2072-2081. doi:10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.124.22884
...more
19min
April 25, 2025Women's heart health: Unique cardiometabolic risks (24 min)
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in men and women, yet 45% of women don’t know it’s their leading cause of death. A staggering 71% of women never discuss heart health with their physicians. This episode will explore this gender disparity and elucidate why women carry unique risk for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Today’s episode is with clinical educators Trisha Winchester, PhD and Maeson Latsko, PhD.
This episode will
Discuss the gender gap in cardiovascular disease (1:15)
Review risk factors for CVD that are unique to women (4:00), such as PCOS (6:00), adverse pregnancy outcomes (9:00, gestational diabetes: 13:00, pre-eclampsia 15:15), and menopause (19:30)
Review what laboratory tools providers can utilize to better indicate and track risk in women overtime (14:30, 17:45)
To learn more, please review the additional resources below for information on our cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, and wellness offerings, as well as educational resources and insights from our team of experts. At Quest Diagnostics, we are committed to providing you with results and insights to support your clinical decisions.

Date: 04/2025

Speaker(s): Trisha Winchester, PhD; Maeson Latsko, PhD
Contributor(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD; Trisha Winchester, PhD; Millicent Kee, MSN, FNP-BC; Abhi Patel

Additional Resources:
Women in CV risk article
References:
Cardiovascular Disease and Breast Cancer: Where These Entities Intersect: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2019;140(9):e543. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000728
Vilmi-Kerälä T, Palomäki O, Vainio M, Uotila J, Palomäki A. The risk of metabolic syndrome after gestational diabetes mellitus - a hospital-based cohort study. Diabetol Metab Syndr. 2015;7:43. Published 2015 May 12. doi:10.1186/s13098-015-0038-z
Vounzoulaki E, Khunti K, Abner SC, Tan BK, Davies MJ, Gillies CL. Progression to type 2 diabetes in women with a known history of gestational diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ. 2020;369:m1361. Published 2020 May 13. doi:10.1136/bmj.m1361
Kramer CK, Campbell S, Retnakaran R. Gestational diabetes and the risk of cardiovascular disease in women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Diabetologia. 2019;62(6):905-914. doi:10.1007/s00125-019-4840-2
Brown MC, Best KE, Pearce MS, Waugh J, Robson SC, Bell R. Cardiovascular disease risk in women with pre-eclampsia: systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Epidemiol. 2013;28(1):1-19. doi:10.1007/s10654-013-9762-6
Leslie MS, Briggs LA. Preeclampsia and the Risk of Future Vascular Disease and Mortality: A Review. J Midwifery Womens Health. 2016;61(3):315-324. doi:10.1111/jmwh.12469
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and diabetes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed March 24, 2020. Accessed August 18, 2022.https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/pcos.html
...more
25min
March 14, 2025Unpacking Primary Aldosteronism: New insights and advances in diagnosis (23 min)
Approximately 120 million people in the US have hypertension, which is about half of the adult population. Identifying the mechanisms that cause hypertension is crucial for the proper treatment of patients, yet 9 out of 10 patients do not know the origin of their hypertension. New research reveals that up to 30% of patients suffer from hypertension due to primary aldosteronism (PA). With less than 1% of patients with hypertension being screened for hypertension, today’s episode is designed to bring awareness to PA and discuss the breakthrough research that may help drive screening for PA. Today’s episode is with Maeson Latsko, PhD, Clinical and Education Specialist at Quest Diagnostics Center of Excellence at Cleveland Heartlab, Dr Sanjay Dixit, and Dr Marco Marcelli, board certified endocrinologists and medical directors with Quest Diagnostics.
This episode will
Define hypertension and PA (3:30, 6:15)
Describe the intricate link between hypertension and PA (5:40)
Review current screening tools for PA (6:35)
Discuss how novel research can capture even more patients with hypertension due to PA (9:50)
Discuss who should be screened for PA (17:15)
Outline how a diagnosis of PA can influence treatment considerations (18:50)
To learn more, please review the additional resources below for information on our cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, and wellness offerings as well as educational resources and insights from our team of experts. At Quest Diagnostics, we are committed to providing you with results and insights to support your clinical decisions.
Date: 3/2025
Speaker(s): Sanjay Dixit, MD; Marco Marcelli, MD; Maeson Latsko, PhD
Contributor(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD, Trisha Winchester, PhD; Sanjay Dixit, MD; Marco Marcelli, MD; Maeson Latsko, PhD; Akhil Singh
Additional Resources:
https://www.questdiagnostics.com/healthcare-professionals/about-our-tests/endocrine-disorders/primary-aldosteronism
Ordering information:
Plasma Renin Activity with Reflex to Aldosterone | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics

References:
Marcelli M, Bi C, Funder JW, McPhaul MJ. Comparing ARR Versus Suppressed PRA as Screening Tests for Primary Aldosteronism. Hypertension. 2024;81(10):2072-2081. doi:10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.124.22884

Brown JM, Siddiqui M, Calhoun DA, Carey RM, Hopkins PN, Williams GH, Vaidya A. The unrecognized prevalence of primary aldosteronism: a cross-sectional study. Ann Intern Med. 2020;173:10–20. doi: 10.7326/M20-0065

Vaidya A, Hundemer GL, Nanba K, Parksook WW, Brown JM. Primary Aldosteronism: State-of-the-Art Review. Am J Hypertens. 2022;35(12):967-988. doi:10.1093/ajh/hpac079
Auchus RJ. Approaching Primary Aldosteronism as a Common Disease. Endocr Pract. 2023;29(12):994-998. doi:10.1016/j.eprac.2023.08.014

Ostchega Y, Fryar CD, Nwankwo T, et al. Hypertension Prevalence Among Adults Aged 18 and over: United States, 2017-2018. April 2020. Accessed November 20, 2024. Products - Data Briefs - Number 364 - April 2020

Dogra P, Bancos I, Young WF Jr. Primary Aldosteronism: A Pragmatic Approach to Diagnosis and Management. Mayo Clin Proc. 2023;98(8):1207-1215. doi:10.1016/j.mayocp.2023.04.023

Funder JW, Carey RM, Mantero F, et al. The Management of Primary Aldosteronism: Case Detection, Diagnosis, and Treatment: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101(5):1889-1916. doi:10.1210/jc.2015-4061
...more
23min
March 10, 2025Actions from Insight: Your Kidney Friendly Nutrition Plan (20 min)
More than 1 in 7 US adults are estimated to have chronic kidney disease, or CKD, and as many as 9 in 10 don’t know they have it. Damage to your kidneys cannot be reversed, but if found early, there are ways to prevent its progression such as following a healthy eating plan and being physically active. Today’s episode is with Patty Bianchi, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and Maeson Latsko, PhD, Clinical and Education Specialist at Quest Diagnostics Center of Excellence at Cleveland HeartLab.
This episode will
Review function of the kidneys (1:20)
Identify causes and risk factors of chronic kidney disease (3:00)
Review lifestyle changes to prevent the progression of kidney disease (7:50, 17:00)
Discuss how limiting salt intake (10:00), animal protein (12:15), and mineral content (14:30) should be a focus for patients with CKD
The content was current as of the time of recording. To learn more, please review the additional resources below for information on our cardiovascular, metabolic, endocrine, and wellness offerings as well as educational resources and insights from our team of experts. At Quest Diagnostics, we are committed to providing you with results and insights to support your clinical decisions.
Date:  03/2025
Speakers(s):  Patty Bianchi, RDN, CDCES; Maeson Latsko, PhD
Contributor(s): Maeson Latsko, PhD; Patty Bianchi, RDN, CDCES; Trisha Winchester, PhD
Additional Resources:
Instant Insights: Kidney Profile and eGFR with creatinine and cystatin-C
Quest Diagnostics Clinical Education Center [Link]
References:
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease. Kidney Disease Statistics for the United States. September 9, 2024. Accessed February 2025
Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) CKD Work Group. KDIGO 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease. Kidney Int. 2024;105(4S):S117-S314. doi:10.1016/j.kint.2023.10.018
Key Takeaways People Living with CKD
...more
21min

FAQs about Healthier World with Quest Diagnostics:

How many episodes does Healthier World with Quest Diagnostics have?

The podcast currently has 20 episodes available.