Heart Health

As an integrative physician, I believe in a different approach: identifying risks early and taking action to prevent heart disease, rather than simply waiting for it to strike. By combining advanced screenings, nutritional guidance, exercise plans, and the use of targeted medications when necessary, we can significantly delay and, in many cases, even prevent heart disease.

Heart disease can develop silently over many years, with few — if any — warning signs. That’s why I prioritize comprehensive screenings tailored to each individual. These might include: 

• Advanced blood work to check cholesterol particle sizes, inflammation markers (like hs-CRP), and other indicators of cardiovascular risk that go beyond standard cholesterol tests.
• Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scans to assess the amount of calcified plaque in your arteries, giving us a clear picture of your heart disease risk.
• Carotid ultrasound to detect plaque buildup in the carotid arteries, which can indicate underlying cardiovascular issues.
• Stress testing to evaluate how well your heart functions during physical exertion, identifying potential issues before symptoms arise.

These tests are not about scaring you; they’re about gathering the information needed to make proactive, informed decisions about your health.

Nutrition and Lifestyle: Your First Line of Defense

The foundation of preventing and reversing heart disease lies in lifestyle changes, particularly with diet and exercise. I work with patients to create personalized nutrition plans that focus on reducing inflammation, improving blood sugar control, and supporting heart health. This may involve:

• Optimizing your diet with nutrient-dense foods, reducing processed sugars, and focusing on heart-healthy fats like omega-3s.
• Incorporating intermittent fasting or ketogenic diets when appropriate, which can help improve metabolic health, lower blood pressure, and reduce arterial plaque.
• Creating an individualized exercise plan that fits your lifestyle, whether that’s daily walks, strength training, or other cardiovascular activities. Regular movement is a powerful tool in reducing heart disease risk.

Supplements and Medications: Targeted Support When Needed

In addition to lifestyle changes, certain supplements and medications can play a key role in reducing cardiovascular risk. As an integrative physician, I take a careful and personalized approach, recommending supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, CoQ10, and magnesium, which can support heart health. When necessary, medications such as statins, ACE inhibitors, or SGLT2 inhibitors may be used strategically to manage risk factors like high cholesterol or hypertension.

The Integrative Advantage: A Partnership in Your Heart Health

The goal of working with an integrative physician like me is to be proactive rather than reactive. Together, we take a comprehensive look at your overall health, identify your unique risks, and create a plan tailored to you. By addressing potential problems before they become symptomatic, we can prevent a heart attack rather than waiting for one to occur.

If you’ve ever been told that preventive screenings aren’t necessary, or that you should wait for symptoms to appear, I encourage you to reach out. Let’s have a conversation about the many ways we can work together to protect your heart, extend your lifespan, and help you live a healthier, more vibrant life.

Your heart deserves the best care — don’t settle for anything less.