Inflammatory & Other Conditions
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease includes conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol. Functional medicine recognizes that inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysfunction drive cardiovascular disease, and addresses these root causes to prevent and reverse heart disease.
Common Symptoms
Recognizing the signs and symptoms of Cardiovascular Disease
Chest pain or discomfort (angina)
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Palpitations
Dizziness
High blood pressure
Elevated cholesterol
Leg pain with walking (claudication)
Root Causes
Understanding what drives Cardiovascular Disease
Chronic inflammation
Oxidative stress
Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome
Dyslipidemia (abnormal cholesterol)
High blood pressure
Smoking
Sedentary lifestyle
Poor diet (processed foods, trans fats, excess sugar)
Chronic stress
Nutrient deficiencies (magnesium, omega-3s, CoQ10)
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
We evaluate cardiovascular health and identify modifiable risk factors.
Advanced lipid panel (particle size, LDL-P, Lp(a))
Inflammatory markers (CRP, Lp-PLA2, MPO)
Fasting glucose, insulin, and HbA1c
Homocysteine
Omega-3 index
CoQ10 levels
Vitamin D and magnesium
Blood pressure monitoring
Coronary calcium score (CT scan)
Carotid ultrasound (plaque assessment)
Heart Health Optimization Protocol
Our approach reduces inflammation, improves lipid profiles, and supports cardiovascular function.
Mediterranean or low-carb diet
High-dose omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA)
Coenzyme Q10 (especially if on statins)
Magnesium supplementation
Vitamin D optimization
Niacin for cholesterol (under supervision)
Bergamot extract for lipids
Hawthorn and garlic for blood pressure
Regular exercise (150 minutes/week)
Stress management
Smoking cessation
Weight loss if overweight
Expected Outcomes
Improved lipid profile
Reduced inflammation markers
Normalized blood pressure
Better blood sugar control
Reduced cardiovascular risk
Improved exercise capacity
Enhanced overall cardiovascular health