By Schuyler Corrigan

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February 27, 2024

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When February arrives, we celebrate the return of the sun and the care and keeping of our emotional hearts through glittery red and pink hearts and streamers. However, amidst all the festivities, we often overlook the significance of heart health. This is a perfect time to remember the importance of caring for our physical hearts and showing them love. The CDC reports that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in men and women in the US and is a significant health issue globally. Cardiovascular disease costs the US healthcare system more than $200 billion per year. This highlights the importance of a robust preventive approach through patient education. At Richmond Natural Medicine, we see many patients with common diagnoses such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, and high cholesterol. Our practitioners take a holistic approach to managing and treating these conditions. We focus on patient education, diet, and lifestyle recommendations, and personalized therapeutic suggestions that can work seamlessly with conventional care when needed.

Read More: Naturopathic Approach to Cardiovascular Health

Cardiovascular Health at Every Age

20s and 30s – Stay active and healthy with daily exercise, a vegetable and phytonutrient-rich diet, and maintain your annual visit to your primary care doctor to assess your blood work each year. We strongly encourage adopting a Mediterranean-style diet as a long-term approach to support heart health through healthy eating. It incorporates healthy fats, a variety of protein sources, whole grains, and plenty of fresh fruits and veggies. To maintain a healthy cardiovascular system, experts strongly recommend that you engage in group sports. They also advise taking long walks, swimming, and hiking to strengthen your bones and muscles. At the same time, it incorporates healthy fats, a variety of protein sources, whole grains, and plenty of fresh fruits and veggies. To maintain a healthy cardiovascular system and strengthen your bones and muscles, experts strongly recommend that you engage in group sports, take long walks, swim, and hike. Finally, avoid smoking and vaping, as this is a leading contributor to cardiovascular disease. 

40s – This is a time to assess your daily and weekly habits while continuing to track your annual blood work each year. 

• Monitor your total cholesterol levels and blood pressure regularly.
• Manage stress through counseling or holistic support.
• Watch your weight as metabolism and weight management can change in your 40s.
• Stay active with daily exercise, including weight training.
• Seek guidance from a qualified nutritionist for a heart-healthy diet.

50s to 70s

50s—Similar to your 40s, pay attention to any new sensations or symptoms you experience in any area. Don’t brush off any symptoms of sleep disturbance, overall sluggishness, heart arrhythmias or palpitations, or hormonal changes. Maintain the good habits you put in place in previous years, and as always, pay attention to your stress levels, maintain your exercise habits, and eat a colorful, phytonutrient-rich diet. 

The 60s- 70s – At this time, other conditions may arise that need to be addressed and cared for while making necessary adjustments to your lifestyle, supplement needs, and overall diet. As directed by your care team, do your best to maintain movement and exercise daily through weight training, walks, swimming or group classes. Stress management and mental health support are always encouraged to keep a strong mind and body. At the same time, nutrient needs may need to be assessed individually for any deficiencies or extra needs. Work closely with your naturopathic doctor, nutritionist, or primary care team to get the personalized support you need. 

How can naturopathic medicine be used alongside conventional treatment?

When cardiovascular disease is already present, naturopathic medicine can provide support before and after surgery, during cardiac rehabilitation, and in the following years to prevent a future event. Your team can guide you regarding appropriate exercise and incorporating a heart-healthy diet in real life. Some popular diets are not heart-friendly; genetics may also affect cholesterol management. Naturopathic therapies are useful when an individual’s blood pressure is not well-controlled on pharmaceuticals, managing early kidney disease resulting from hypertension or diabetes, and providing natural medicines if prescription medications are not well-tolerated.

For Cardiovascular Health, Prevention is Key

For healthy individuals, there is nothing better than exercise for prevention. High-intensity interval training on a bicycle, treadmill, or elliptical is very efficient. Even yoga or meditation to calm the nervous system can be useful for cardiac health. Paying attention to your overall diet is essential for heart health and cholesterol management, and having your yearly physical with your primary care provider should be a priority. If time and conditioning are challenging, start where you are; walking is awesome!

Read More: CDC Prevents Heart Disease

If you seek support with cardiovascular health and would like to incorporate functional and naturopathic medicine principles into your health plan. Request an appointment or call our office for more information at (804) 977-2634.