Unlocking Heart Health: The Naturopathic Medicine Approach to Preventing Cardiovascular Disease

Heart Health
Written By Itasca Naturopathic Clinic

At Itasca Naturopathic Clinic, we know that heart health goes far beyond basic cholesterol checks. Many conventional healthcare providers only order a standard lipid panel and glucose test, but there are numerous additional lab tests that can provide a more complete picture of your cardiovascular risk. These tests can help us determine how aggressive your prevention and treatment strategies should be.

If you’re concerned about your heart health due to personal or family history, or if you’re wondering whether you should take statin medications, read on to learn about the testing options available through functional medicine.

Key Categories of Testing:

  • Cholesterol-Related Tests

  • Protein-Related Tests

  • Inflammatory Markers

  • Substances That Increase Cardiovascular (CV) Risk

  • Metabolic Health

  • Adrenal Health & Stress

Cholesterol-Related Tests

  • Total Cholesterol: Optimal 160 to 200 mg/dL

  • Triglycerides: Optimal less than 100 mg/dL

  • HDL (High-density lipoprotein): The “good” cholesterol that helps eliminate “bad” cholesterol. Optimal above 50 mg/dL in men and above 60 mg/dL in women.

  • LDL (Low-density lipoprotein): The “bad” cholesterol that can build up in arteries. Optimal below 130 mg/dL.

Protein-Related Tests (Beyond the Standard Lipid Panel)

  • Lipoprotein(a): A lipoprotein present in some people that increases heart disease risk. Optimal less than 30 mg/dL.

  • Apolipoprotein B (ApoB): A protein included in “bad” cholesterol. Optimal less than 100 mg/dL.

  • Fibrinogen: A protein involved in blood clotting. Optimal less than 300 mg/dL.

  • NT-proBNP (Pro-brain natriuretic peptide): A protein produced by the heart, often elevated in heart failure. Optimal less than 125 pg/mL.

Inflammatory Markers

Chronic inflammation can significantly impact cardiovascular health. These markers help evaluate your level of risk:

  • hs-CRP (High-Sensitive C-Reactive Protein): Optimal less than 1.0 mg/L.

  • MPO (Myeloperoxidase): Optimal less than 350 mg/g.

Substances That Increase CV Risk

  • Homocysteine: An amino acid linked to heart disease when elevated. Optimal less than 8 umol/L.

  • TMAO (Trimethylamine N-oxide): Produced by the gut during food breakdown. Optimal less than 6.2 uM.

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acid Profile: Helps evaluate your balance of anti-inflammatory fats. Optimal levels depend on the specific test panel.

  • RBC Magnesium: Essential for cardiovascular health. Optimal 6.0-7.2.

Metabolic Health

Poor metabolic health, elevated blood sugar, and insulin resistance are key contributors to cardiovascular disease. Prevention is crucial, and we routinely test for these markers:

  • Hemoglobin A1c (HgbA1c): Optimal 5.5 or less.

  • Fasting Glucose: Optimal 80-90 mg/dL.

  • Insulin: Optimal 5 or less.

For these markers, diet and exercise are the cornerstones of treatment. Working with a health coach can help turn these changes into lifelong habits.

Adrenal Health & Stress

Stress is often overlooked in conventional medicine, but it’s a major contributor to high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The adrenal cortex produces cortisol and DHEA, which are critical for managing stress.

The best way to evaluate adrenal function is through salivary cortisol and DHEA testing, a specialized approach not available in standard labs. At Itasca Naturopathic Clinic, we have a range of tools to help your body better manage stress for optimal heart health.

Treat the Whole Person

At Itasca Naturopathic Clinic, we believe the body is interconnected. To truly optimize heart health, we consider the whole person—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Other factors we evaluate include:

  • Gut Health

  • Hormone Health

  • Inflammation

  • Sleep Quality

  • Mood and Emotional Well-Being

Ready to Take Control of Your Heart Health?

If you’re concerned about heart disease due to family or personal history, consider exploring these advanced testing options. Functional medicine testing allows us to identify your risks early and create a personalized plan to protect your heart.

✨ Book a complimentary discovery session today and take the first step toward a healthier, more vibrant life.

Rachel Oppitz, ND

Itasca Naturopathic Clinic https://www.itascanaturopathicclinic.com
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