By Schuyler Corrigan

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March 3, 2024

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A significant number of Americans deal with cardiovascular issues each year.

The American Heart Association estimates that in 2020, nearly half of Americans had hypertension, and the CDC reported that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in men and women in the US. Cardiovascular disease is also known as “the silent killer” because the signs and symptoms leading up to the diagnosis (and heart attack or strokes) are almost unnoticeable. Prevention is really key for supporting and preventing cardiovascular issues especially later in life. Our naturopathic doctors work closely with people who have been diagnosed with cardiovascular conditions and also with people looking for daily preventative measures to support heart health for decades to come. Here are a few common questions we receive from clients regarding tips for heart health and prevention:

Q: What are some common cardiovascular issues that you see with patients? What are common signs and symptoms?

1. High blood pressure, or hypertension, which may lead to stroke or kidney damage
2. Coronary Artery Disease which may lead to a heart attack or angina
3. High cholesterol
4. Peripheral Vascular (arterial or venous) Disease which may lead to pain, numbness, or weakness

These conditions have very few symptoms until they are well-advanced and have already caused injury. Screening and prevention are highly important. People who receive regular conventional medical care are screened at every visit for high blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which is important to keep up with. Conventional cardiology has effective tools for diagnosing and treating advanced cardiovascular disease. Naturopathic medicine can work alongside conventional care in cases of advanced disease to mitigate future events and any effects of necessary medications.

Q: How do you approach cardiology health issues from a naturopathic perspective?

Our goal is prevention through focusing on lifetime lifestyle and dietary habits. We look for early signs of health issues contributing to the above conditions, including sleep, exercise, stress, and diet. Family history also plays an important part in the risk assessment of each individual. If a significant risk is identified, then additional investigation is appropriate, which may involve home monitoring, referral to a primary care doctor, or referral to a cardiologist for testing. Detailed health and family history, blood labs, and advanced testing reports are used to develop an individualized care plan that details naturopathic therapies (independently or in conjunction with conventional medication), lifestyle adjustments, and nutrition upgrades.

Research and experts agree that medication should not be the first step and instead, lifestyle modifications, including diet, exercise, and stress management, are imperative. Thus it is important to intervene before prescriptions are needed. However, in some cases, blood pressure medication may be warranted due to uncontrolled spikes in blood pressure or sustained elevated blood pressure. This is because elevations can remodel the heart and the vessels of the body, causing disease to set up.

Read More: 4 Tips for Heart Health

Q: What are some things recommended for patients for cardiovascular health prevention?

For healthy individuals, there is nothing better than exercise for prevention. High-intensity interval training on a bicycle, treadmill, or elliptical is very efficient. Attending fitness classes with others or scheduling a personal trainer is what keeps some people continuing to meet their fitness goals. If time and conditioning are challenging, start where you are; walking is awesome! The effectiveness of diet can’t be stressed enough. What we eat plays a huge role in what disease symptoms present in our lives later on. Following a heart-healthy diet – such as a Mediterranean-style diet – is effective in supporting long-term cardiovascular health, and generally, you’re consuming plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, phytonutrients, fiber, and various quality proteins while staying hydrated is key! Assisting with stress management is also important as it can alter heart rate and, over time, put a load on the cardiovascular system.

Read More: Nutrition Services at Richmond Natural Medicine

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