Description

There are many disorders and related conditions associated with heart (cardiovascular) disease.  The primary focus here is on atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque that eventually blocks the arteries supplying blood to the heart.  This condition is the most common cardiovascular problem and is also one that is largely preventable through diet and lifestyle.

Research has shown that inflammation plays a primary role in the development of heart disease (and most other chronic diseases).  The inflammatory response to arterial damage, as caused by such factors as:

- High cholesterol

- High blood pressure

- High blood sugar & insulin

- Infection

- Cigarette smoking

- Toxin exposure - e.g., heavy metals

is likely to be at least as responsible for the buildup of plaque and the damage observed in heart disease as high cholesterol itself, which has been the focus in the past.  In fact, a recent American Heart Association working group concluded that heart disease is "essentially an inflammatory response to a variety of risk factors and the consequences of this response lead to the development of acute coronary and cerebrovascular syndromes." [1]

Causes

Primary risk factors for heart disease include:

- Obesity

- Smoking

- Blood cholesterol levels that are either too high or too low (dyslipidemia)

- High blood pressure

- Diabetes

- Elevated inflammation and clotting markers

- Physical inactivity

- Nutrient deficiencies

- Environmental toxin exposure - e.g., heavy metals

- Psychological stress

My Treatment Approach

- If overweight, guide the client how to reach and maintain a healthier body weight.

- Shift to an anti-inflammatory diet.

- Supplement to help maintain optimal heart function and moderate inflammation, e.g.:

      - Vitamins

      - Minerals

      - Essential fatty acids

      - Herbals

      - Amino acids

      - Fiber

- Avoid future toxin exposure, and safely / properly reduce existing toxin levels in the body.

- If smoking, try to stop on your own or join a smoking cessation program.

- Incorporate regular, moderate exercise.

- Seek professional help for existing psychological factors (e.g., stress).