Our office uses standardized Electrocardiogram studies to help determine the extent of cardiac risk. There are many patients that have early stage disease and can safely consider alternative treatment; however, depending on test results, some patients may require referral for medical intervention.
There is no doubt that one of the greatest advances in modern medicine is the treatment of advanced cardiovascular disease, along with the use of surgical treatment. Despite these advances in end stage disease, however, little effort is dedicated to determining the cause of or preventing the onset of cardiovascular disease.
Cardiovascular Disease At A Glance
- 36.3% of all deaths (or 1 of every 2.8 deaths) is due to cardiovascular disease
- In 2004, cardiovascular disease (CVD) claimed 871,500 lives in the U.S. alone
- In 2004, 79.4 million Americans had one or more forms of CVD
- High blood pressure affects 72 million Americans
- Stroke affects 5.7 million Americans
- Over 147,000 Americans killed by CVD are under 65
90% percent of cardiovascular disease is thought to be caused by lifestyle and environmental factors. And yet, the medical community places little emphasis on addressing these issues, choosing instead to focus solely on the treatment of symptoms. Early stage CVD treatment is almost exclusively limited to medications:
- Statins were introduced in 1987
- 2001 sales: $16 billion
- Zocor: 33 million users worldwide
- Lipitor: 15 million users worldwide
- Federal panel recommends wider use, wants 36 million Americans on statins
- Statins only reduce CVD mortality by 25%
- Most of these medications have severe side effects on health
Alternative Treatments
The cause of cardiovascular disease (whether it is hypertension, elevated cholesterol, or diabetes) must be evaluated for every individual since each case is unique. Diet and exercise habits need to be evaluated and modifications may be required. Genetic testing may be necessary in cases where family history is a consideration. These genetic tests can reveal polymorphisms (genetic abnormalities) and provide insight about nutritional weaknesses and requirements. The gastrointestinal and endocrine (hormonal) systems must be evaluated for dysfunction as well. Blood chemistry studies, EKG, and ultrasound studies are essential to help determine the level of disease and best course of treatment. Alternative treatment of cardiovascular disease is well documented, and in many cases, it can help restore health without the dangers of medications
Our Approach To Cardiovascular Disease
Blood Chemistries
Our office uses a variety of typical blood chemistry studies to evaluate cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides, HDL (good cholesterol) and LDL (bad cholesterol). Advanced cardiovascular studies including lipoprotein studies, coagulation rates, fibrinogen, and many others are often utilized to completely assess our patients. Since there are many different reasons why patients have cardiovascular disease, a complete chemistry is required to help assess the underlying cause of disease on an individual basis. All of our blood chemistries are evaluated utilizing orthomolecular analysis to determine nutritional needs and organic/environmental weaknesses.
Doppler Ultrasound Studies
Advanced non-invasive ultrasound studies are utilized in our office to help determine the extent of plaque and arterial blockage. This is an important step in a good cardiovascular program. While it is important to improve blood chemistry findings, it is essential that the arterial system improves as well. Utilizing advanced Doppler studies allows our clinic to track and confirm improvements in our patients' cardiovascular conditions with alternative therapy.
Genetic Evaluation
Many people have been falsely convinced that their cardiovascular condition is inevitable due to genetic predisposition. While it is true that individuals may inherit certain genetic weaknesses, these weaknesses can be managed by making conscious lifestyle and environmental choices. While genetic weakness is often an overused and misdirected excuse for cardiovascular disease, recent advances in genetics now allow our office to test for these weaknesses and evaluate necessary changes required to protect each patient on an individual basis. The tests measure what are called polymorphisms, which are alterations in individual DNA strands. Our office offers a complete cardiovascular genomic profile for our patients as a part of our diagnostic protocol.
Gastrointestinal Function
While the causal relationship between what we eat and our cardiovascular health is common knowledge, the effect of good gastrointestinal function on cardiovascular health is greatly overlooked. The presence of such conditions as chronic diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and reflux can cause alterations in our body's digestion and absorption process that often result in increased blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Additionally, many patients present with inflammatory conditions due to food sensitivities that can cause a more rapid destruction of the arterial walls, increasing risk of a cardiovascular event. Our office can evaluate the gastrointestinal system utilizing a complete review of symptoms, blood chemistries, gastrointestinal permeability testing, systemic yeast tests, alkaline/acid balance tests, etc. Once evaluated, these conditions are resolved using natural approaches in an attempt to reduce the risk of cardiac disease developing.
Hormone Imbalance
The relationship between hormones and cardiovascular health is well documented; however, hormone treatment usually consists of synthetic medications which have failed to prove effective in preventing cardiac disorders. Additionally, many aspects of the hormone system are often overlooked, such as neurotransmitter levels, small alterations in thyroid hormone, and adrenal gland function. Dietary factors, stress, antidepressants, and a variety of other factors can contribute to subtle hormone imbalances that drastically affect cardiovascular health. As part of our cardiovascular program, we utilize a variety of specialized tests which include: male and female hormone testing, adrenal gland evaluation, complete thyroid assessment, and neurotransmitter testing. Once these systems have been evaluated, a protocol of natural therapy can be used to resolve these conditions and help aid the effectiveness of our cardiovascular program.
Toxicity
Modern society has created a complex variety of new challenges that affect our health. Among these factors, pollution, food additives, preservatives, and packaging have introduced high levels of toxic elements into our bodies. The effects of metal toxicity from elements such as mercury, aluminum, lead, and cadmium are continuing to be realized. Heavy concentrations of toxic elements can affect many aspects of an individual's health, including cardiovascular disease. Our office utilizes a variety of tests to determine toxicity levels. If toxins are present, it is essential that the appropriate elimination program is utilized to successfully improve cardiovascular health. Each individual's elimination program varies depending on the toxic representation that is present.
Treatment and Oral Chelation
In addition to evaluating the underlying causes of each individual's cardiovascular condition, our office uses orthomolecular therapy and various forms of oral chelation to reduce hypertension, cholesterol, glucose, triglycerides, and plaque in the arterial system. All of the products we use are natural, safe, and well researched. We cannot guarantee that everyone will have success with natural therapy; however, we can promise that you will have one of the most effective and thorough natural programs available.
Exercise
Good exercise habits are essential for any cardiovascular program; however, many of our patients have injuries or lack experience in determining what exercises are safe and effective. Our physical therapy staff works closely with patients to create an exercise program that is comfortable and tailored to their specific needs.
See our Cardio Support Guide for more information!