- With Mayo Clinic cardiologist
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
Dr. Thomas Behrenbeck is a native of Germany, where he received his medical education at the Westfalian Wilhelm University in Munster and became board certified in internal medicine and cardiology.
He also received a Ph.D. in biophysics and physiology at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Behrenbeck joined the Mayo Clinic staff in 1990 and is currently an associate professor at Mayo Medical School and an academic faculty member at the Westfalian Wilhelm University. He is chair of the Cardiovascular Medicine and Surgery NetWork of the American College of Chest Physicians.
Dr. Behrenbeck is a noninvasive cardiologist, specializing in cardiovascular (CV) imaging modalities (echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, and CT), coronary artery disease and prevention of coronary artery disease. His research interests are the application of imaging technology to early recognition and treatment of atherosclerosis. He is passionate about patients' involvement in their health issues.
"The Internet and patient education present ideal synergies in the ever-growing field of knowledge in cardiology," he said.
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Alternative medicine (2)
- High cholesterol treatment: Does cinnamon lower cholesterol?
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Question
High cholesterol treatment: Does cinnamon lower cholesterol?
Does taking cinnamon lower cholesterol levels?
Answer
from Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D.
Currently, there's no definitive evidence that cinnamon lowers cholesterol.
In 2003, a small study suggested that cinnamon may help lower blood sugar levels in people who have diabetes. The same study also found that cinnamon had a similar effect on cholesterol levels, leading to modest reductions in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad," cholesterol, as well as triglycerides and total cholesterol. Since then, however, most research doesn't support the use of cinnamon as a treatment for either diabetes or high cholesterol.
To reduce your cholesterol, focus instead on lifestyle changes:
- Lose excess weight.
- Eat heart-healthy foods, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
- Include physical activity in your daily routine.
- If you smoke, stop.
If necessary, your doctor may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medication.
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