top of page
Search

The Heart of Wellness: Combining Cutting Edge Medicine and Holistic Practices for Optimal Health & Wellness

Writer's picture: Rashna Staid, MD FACPRashna Staid, MD FACP


Maintaining optimal heart health is a journey that blends advanced medical insights with foundational lifestyle practices. By embracing both innovative testing and time-honored wellness strategies, you can proactively manage your cardiovascular well-being.




Advanced Cardiovascular Marker Testing

Beyond standard cholesterol checks, specialized tests offer a clearer picture of your heart health:

  • Myeloperoxidase (MPO): This enzyme, released during inflammation, can indicate plaque instability in arteries. Elevated MPO levels may signal a higher risk for heart events.

  • Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2): Linked to vascular inflammation, high Lp-PLA2 levels can point to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

  • Microalbumin-Creatinine Ratio: Detecting tiny amounts of albumin in urine can reveal early signs of blood vessel issues, especially in those with diabetes or high blood pressure.

  • Asymmetric and Symmetric Dimethylarginine (ADMA/SDMA): Elevated levels of these compounds can impair blood vessel function, increasing cardiovascular risk.

  • F2-Isoprostanes: High levels of these markers indicate oxidative stress, contributing to artery hardening and heart disease.

  • Cholesterol Balance Test: This assesses how your body produces and absorbs cholesterol, guiding personalized treatment plans.

Incorporating these tests provides a detailed understanding of your heart health, allowing for targeted interventions.


Genetic Markers and Personalized Prevention

Your genes play a pivotal role in heart health. Identifying specific genetic markers can help tailor prevention strategies:

  • Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]: Genetically elevated Lp(a) levels are linked to a higher risk of heart disease. Knowing your Lp(a) status can guide decisions on treatments and lifestyle changes.

  • Apolipoprotein E (APOE): The APOE gene influences how your body processes fats. Certain variants can increase LDL cholesterol and heart disease risk. Understanding your APOE type can inform dietary choices, like adopting a Mediterranean diet and considering omega-3 supplements.

  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR): Variations in the MTHFR gene can affect homocysteine metabolism, leading to elevated homocysteine levels, which are associated with increased inflammation and cardiovascular risk. Identifying MTHFR mutations can inform strategies to support methylation and detoxification pathways, such as ensuring adequate intake of folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12.

By understanding your genetic makeup, you can get personalized iformation for enhancing preventive efforts.


Essential Diagnostic Evaluations

Certain tests provide detailed insights into heart function:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): Records the heart's electrical activity to detect rhythm issues or past heart attacks.

  • Stress Testing: Assesses heart performance under physical exertion, helping identify blocked arteries.

  • Echocardiogram: Uses ultrasound to visualize heart structures and assess function.

  • Coronary Calcium Scan: Detects calcium deposits in heart arteries, indicating potential disease.

These evaluations offer comprehensive insights, aiding early detection and treatment.


Integrating FSIM's Five Pillars for Optimal Health and Wellness

Building upon foundational lifestyle practices enhances your cardiovascular health and overall wellness:

  • Nutrition: Embrace a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This approach supports heart health.

  • Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly, including aerobic activities, strength training, flexibility, and balance exercises.

  • Sleep: Prioritize 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to help regulate blood pressure and stress hormones.

  • Stress Management: Practice mindfulness, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress, a known heart disease risk factor.

  • Social Connection: Maintain meaningful relationships and engage in community activities to support emotional well-being and lower cardiovascular risk.


While FSIM's Five Pillars of Health form the foundation of cardiovascular wellness, additional interventions can play a crucial role in prevention and treatment.

  • Supplements: Certain supplements may support heart health. For instance, omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil, have been shown to reduce inflammation and lower triglyceride levels. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is another supplement that may benefit individuals with heart failure by improving energy production in heart cells. Berberine, a plant compound, has been found to help regulate blood sugar and lipid levels, contributing to cardiovascular health. Arterosil, containing rhamnan sulfate, supports the endothelial glycocalyx, a vital component of vascular health, and has been shown to reduce arterial plaque. However, before starting any new supplements it's essential to consult a knowledgeable healthcare provider, as efficacy can vary, and some may interact with medications you may already be taking.

  • Medications: Pharmacological treatments are often necessary to manage cardiovascular conditions effectively. Statins, for example, are commonly prescribed to lower LDL cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Antihypertensive medications help control high blood pressure, a significant risk factor for heart disease. In some cases, anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs may be prescribed to prevent blood clots. It's crucial to follow your healthcare provider's guidance regarding medication use.

  • Cardiovascular Interventions: In certain situations, medical procedures or surgeries may be necessary to address cardiovascular issues. Procedures such as angioplasty, where blocked arteries are opened using a balloon or stent, can restore blood flow to the heart muscle. Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is another surgical option that creates new pathways around blocked arteries. These interventions are typically considered when lifestyle changes and medications and or supplements are insufficient to manage the condition.


Integrating these approaches with FSIM's Five Pillars can provide a comprehensive strategy for maintaining and improving heart health. It's essential to work closely with your physician's team to develop a personalized plan that addresses your specific needs and risk factors.


By combining advanced medical testing, genetic insights, and these lifestyle pillars, you can proactively manage your heart health, leading to improved outcomes and a higher quality of life.


Sources available upon request



1 view0 comments

Comments


Commenting has been turned off.
bottom of page