Understanding Cardiovascular Risk & Prevention: A Holistic Approach

Presented by Immanence Health

Written by Dr. Christine Schaffner

Cardiovascular disease remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Yet, while most people are familiar with standard markers like cholesterol or blood pressure, cardiovascular risk is far more complex. At the forefront of functional and integrative medicine, we now have access to advanced diagnostic tools that can give us a more comprehensive view of heart health, allowing us to catch subtle changes before they become life-threatening conditions.

In this article, I’ll explore some of the most cutting-edge diagnostic tools we use at Immanence Health to assess cardiovascular risk. These tests provide deep insights into the nuanced mechanisms driving cardiovascular disease, far beyond what traditional markers can reveal.

Key Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health Markers

1. D-Dimer

• What It Is: A protein fragment in the blood, D-dimer is released when a blood clot dissolves.
• Why It Matters: Elevated D-dimer levels suggest ongoing clotting activity, indicating underlying clotting disorders or chronic inflammation. Such activity is a serious concern for cardiovascular health, linked to stroke and myocardial infarction.
• Monitoring Benefits: Regularly assessing D-dimer helps in detecting clotting disorders early and identifying chronic inflammation that may increase cardiovascular risk.

2. Fibrinogen

• What It Is: Fibrinogen is a blood protein essential for forming clots.
• Why It Matters: While necessary for preventing bleeding, high fibrinogen levels can signal excessive clotting activity, contributing to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup) and thrombosis (blood clots). This can elevate the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
• Monitoring Benefits: Fibrinogen levels allow us to evaluate clotting potential, detect underlying inflammation, and address any dysregulation in the clotting process. 300 and under is ideal.

3. NMR Lipid Panel

• What It Is: The NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) lipid panel offers a detailed breakdown of lipid particles, assessing the size and density of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) particles.
• Why It Matters: Unlike traditional lipid panels, which only measure cholesterol and triglyceride levels, the NMR panel can detect small, dense LDL particles that are more likely to infiltrate arterial walls and promote plaque buildup. It also measures Apo B (the total number of atherogenic particles) and Lipoprotein(a) (Lipo A), a genetically driven marker linked to increased cardiovascular risk.
• Monitoring Benefits: This test reveals hidden risks often missed by standard cholesterol tests, allowing for a more precise cardiovascular risk assessment.

4. Hemoglobin A1c & Fasting Insulin

• What They Are: Hemoglobin A1c measures average blood glucose levels over three months, while fasting insulin indicates how much insulin the body produces to maintain blood sugar.
• Why They Matter: High A1c levels are linked to elevated cardiovascular risk due to prolonged glucose exposure damaging blood vessels. Fasting insulin helps identify insulin resistance, a precursor to metabolic syndrome and inflammation.
• Monitoring Benefits: Together, A1c and fasting insulin provide insight into blood sugar control, insulin resistance, and long-term cardiovascular and metabolic health. Fasting insulin below 5 is ideal.

5. Homocysteine

• What It Is: Homocysteine is an amino acid that, at elevated levels, can indicate inflammation and increase cardiovascular risk.
• Why It Matters: High homocysteine levels are associated with damage to blood vessel linings, promoting clot formation and increasing the risk for heart disease and stroke.
• Monitoring Benefits: By tracking homocysteine, we can assess inflammation levels and address potential cardiovascular risks through lifestyle or nutritional interventions. Homocysteine around 8 is ideal.

6. Spike Protein Antibody Quantitative Dilution

• What It Is: This test measures the level of antibodies to the spike protein, which may be useful for evaluating immune response after exposure to certain pathogens or vaccines.
• Why It Matters: Elevated antibody levels can indicate ongoing immune activity, and tracking this can be helpful for patients experiencing prolonged symptoms or inflammation.
• Monitoring Benefits: Quantitative antibody levels offer insights into the immune response’s status and help guide interventions aimed at reducing any related inflammation. Increased levels may be an indirect indicator of pathology related to spike protein.

Blood Pressure

• What It Is: Blood pressure measures the force of blood against the arterial walls as the heart pumps. It is recorded with two numbers: systolic pressure (the top number, indicating pressure during heartbeats) and diastolic pressure (the bottom number, indicating pressure when the heart is at rest).
• Why It Matters: Elevated blood pressure is a key indicator of cardiovascular risk, as it places strain on the arterial walls. Over time, high blood pressure can damage blood vessels, contributing to conditions such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Consistently high blood pressure, or hypertension, can lead to more severe health complications if not managed.
• Monitoring Benefits: Regularly monitoring both systolic and diastolic blood pressure provides insights into cardiovascular health. Observing changes over time can reveal trends or patterns that may indicate heightened cardiovascular risk, allowing for timely intervention and lifestyle adjustments to support optimal heart health.

Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

• What It Is: Heart Rate Variability (HRV) measures the variation in time between each heartbeat. This variability reflects the autonomic nervous system’s ability to adapt to stressors and indicates a balance between the sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) responses.
• Why It Matters: Higher HRV is generally associated with greater resilience, better stress management, and optimal cardiovascular health. Low HRV, on the other hand, can be a sign of chronic stress, inflammation, or imbalances within the autonomic nervous system, which may elevate the risk for cardiovascular disease, poor mental health, and other chronic conditions.
• Monitoring Benefits: Tracking HRV regularly offers insights into overall stress levels, recovery ability, and cardiovascular health. It allows individuals to adjust lifestyle factors, such as sleep, exercise intensity, and stress management practices, to improve autonomic balance and support long-term health.

Imaging for Heart Health

1. Calcium Score

• What It Is: Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring uses a specialized CT scan to detect and measure the amount of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries.
• Why It Matters: Calcification in the coronary arteries is a strong indicator of the atherosclerotic process, and a higher CAC score correlates with an increased risk of future cardiovascular events, including heart disease and stroke.
• Monitoring Benefits: By assessing CAC, healthcare providers can better understand an individual’s cardiovascular risk level, helping to guide prevention strategies and lifestyle changes based on the score’s severity.

2. Echocardiogram

• What It Is: An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart, providing real-time images of the heart’s function and structure.
• Why It Matters: This imaging technique reveals critical information about heart muscle function, valve conditions, and heart chamber size, helping diagnose conditions like heart failure, hypertrophy, and structural abnormalities that increase cardiovascular risk.
• Monitoring Benefits: Echocardiograms help in early diagnosis and management of heart conditions, allowing for timely interventions to support long-term heart health.

3. Electrocardiogram (EKG)

• What It Is: An EKG measures the electrical activity of the heart, recording patterns that reflect heart rhythm and other key functions.
• Why It Matters: The EKG is invaluable in detecting arrhythmias, ischemic changes, and structural issues. It provides early warning signs for conditions like atrial fibrillation or potential heart attacks.
• Monitoring Benefits: Regular EKGs can detect subtle changes in heart rhythm or function, guiding interventions to prevent serious cardiovascular events.

4. Adult Doppler Ultrasound of Carotid Arteries

• What It Is: This Doppler ultrasound evaluates blood flow in the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain.
• Why It Matters: By detecting blockages or narrowing, this test assesses stroke risk and highlights potential cardiovascular issues that need attention. Blockages in the carotid arteries can predict a higher likelihood of future cardiovascular events.
• Monitoring Benefits: Identifying carotid artery blockages allows for early intervention through lifestyle modifications or medical treatment to reduce the risk of stroke.

Novel Biomarkers in Cardiovascular Risk

1. TMAO (Trimethylamine N-oxide)

• What It Is: TMAO is a compound produced by gut bacteria metabolizing nutrients like choline and carnitine, which are found in foods such as red meat and eggs.
• Why It Matters: Elevated TMAO levels are linked to increased cardiovascular risk, as TMAO promotes cholesterol deposition in arterial walls and encourages plaque formation, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
• Monitoring Benefits: Measuring TMAO provides insight into how diet and gut health impact cardiovascular risk. With this information, targeted dietary interventions can be implemented to reduce cardiovascular risk factors.

Cardiovascular health is a complex and multifaceted aspect of overall wellness, requiring more than just traditional markers to fully understand and address potential risks. At Immanence Health, we are committed to utilizing cutting-edge diagnostics and advanced biomarkers to provide a comprehensive assessment of heart health. By identifying subtle imbalances early and tailoring interventions to individual needs, we empower patients to take proactive steps toward optimal cardiovascular health and long-term vitality. Through this integrative approach, we can pave the way for healthier hearts and brighter futures.

About Dr. Christine Schaffner

Dr. Christine Schaffner is a board-certified Naturopathic Doctor who has helped thousands of people recover from chronic or complex illnesses. Through online summits, her Spectrum of Health podcast, a network of Immanence Health clinics, and renowned online programs, Dr. Schaffner goes beyond biological medicine, pulling from all systems of medicine and healing modalities--helping patients reclaim their wellness and reveal their brightest light.

To learn more about working with  Dr. Christine Schaffner,   in person or virtually (US and Worldwide), set up a free discovery call with our team.

Disclaimer: this post is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. Please do your own research and consult with your own personal licensed health care provider before making any treatment decisions.