Let's take action against heart disease. But what's the most effective way to do this? Eat right and exercise - well, sure, most definitely, but these are basics - there's a lot more that we can do than the basics. Let's go beyond the constraints of traditional medicine where you go to the doctor because you have chest pain or after you've had an event...which is inarguably quite late in the game. Let's get strategic. Here's how we do it in our ultra-preventive, longevity practice.
Imagine your heart as the engine of a high-performance sports car. To keep it running smoothly, you wouldn't fuel it with junk or skip regular maintenance, right? Similarly, your heart thrives on premium care, and functional medicine offers a turbocharged approach to keep it revving for years to come.
1. Rev Up with Advanced Diagnostics — Get your biomarkers tested!
Traditional check-ups might glance at your heart's dashboard, but functional medicine dives under the hood, testing hundreds of biomarkers traditional medicine speeds right past. By analyzing detailed metrics like apolipoprotein B (ApoB) levels, Lipoprotein (a), homocysteine, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), longevity doctors can spot can spot potential issues before they become full-blown breakdowns. Think of it as a custom tune-up tailored to your heart's unique specifications.
2. Optimize Hormonal Balance for Heart Health
Hormones play a pivotal role in cardiovascular well-being, much like the essential fluids that keep a car running smoothly. For instance, estrogen acts as the premium fuel that helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels and promotes the flexibility of blood vessels, ensuring the heart's engine operates flawlessly. As women approach menopause and estrogen levels decline, it's akin to the car running low on fuel, increasing the risk of heart disease. Additionally, Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) in men acts as the engine tune-up, enhancing glycemic control, which is like fine-tuning a car's performance for better serum glucose levels and insulin resistance.
We meticulously assess the hormonal health of every one of our patients, scrutinizing each component like a mechanic examining the intricate parts of a vehicle, to determine if bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) should be incorporated into their personalized plan for overall health optimization and longevity.
3. Visit us for Red Light Therapy!
Imagine giving your heart a rejuvenating light bath. Like pulling the hood back on a convertible, and driving around in the warm glow of sunlight. Red light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, involves exposing the body to low-level red or near-infrared light. Studies suggest that this therapy can enhance heart health by improving mitochondrial function—the energy powerhouses of cells—and reducing inflammation. In animal models, consistent exposure to red light has been shown to slow cardiovascular aging and improve heart function. While more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans, red light therapy presents a promising, non-invasive approach to supporting cardiovascular wellness.
4. Navigate Life's Twists with Stress Management
Life's road can be winding, but high cortisol levels don't have to throw you off course. We help equip you with tools like mindfulness and relaxation techniques, helping you steer through challenges without veering into the danger zone.
