Heart Disease
The world's leading cause of death. Heart disease encompasses coronary artery disease, heart failure, and other cardiac conditions. Driven largely by inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and lifestyle. Highly preventable with the right approach.
Types of Heart Disease
Coronary Artery Disease
Plaque buildup in heart arteries. Most common type. Leads to heart attacks.
Heart Failure
Heart can't pump efficiently. Progressive condition. Fluid buildup.
Arrhythmias
Abnormal heart rhythms. AFib most common. Can cause stroke.
Valve Disease
Heart valves don't work properly. Stenosis or regurgitation. May need repair.
Cardiomyopathy
Heart muscle disease. Weakened or thickened. Various causes.
Peripheral Artery Disease
Narrowed arteries elsewhere. Indicates systemic disease. Same risk factors.
Root Causes
Inflammation
- Chronic inflammation: Damages vessel walls
- Oxidized LDL: Gets into damaged areas
- Immune response: Creates plaque
- CRP marker: Predicts events
Metabolic Dysfunction
- Insulin resistance: Drives inflammation
- High blood sugar: Damages vessels
- Metabolic syndrome: Cluster of risks
- Visceral fat: Pro-inflammatory
Beyond Simple Cholesterol
LDL Particle Number
More predictive than LDL-C. Number of particles matters. ApoB is marker.
LDL Particle Size
Small, dense LDL more dangerous. Pattern B problematic. Driven by carbs.
Triglyceride/HDL Ratio
Better predictor than LDL. Under 2 is good. Reflects insulin sensitivity.
Lipoprotein(a)
Genetic risk factor. Often overlooked. Ask for this test.
Oxidized LDL
The actually dangerous form. Created by inflammation. Antioxidants help.
hs-CRP
Inflammation marker. Under 1 is optimal. Independent predictor.
Heart-Protective Nutrients
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Anti-inflammatory. Reduce triglycerides. Stabilize heart rhythm. 2-4g daily.
CoQ10
Heart energy production. Essential with statins. 100-300mg daily.
Magnesium
Heart rhythm. Blood pressure. Vessel relaxation. Most are deficient.
Vitamin K2
Keeps calcium out of arteries. Works with D3. MK-7 form preferred.
Vitamin D
Low levels linked to heart disease. Optimize to 50-70 ng/mL. Take with K2.
Potassium
Blood pressure regulation. Balances sodium. Most don't get enough.
Prevention Strategies
Mediterranean Diet
Best-studied diet for heart. Olive oil, fish, vegetables. Reduces events 30%.
Exercise
150+ min/week. Both cardio and strength. Improves all risk factors.
Blood Sugar Control
Reduce refined carbs. Keep fasting glucose under 90. Prevent insulin resistance.
Stress Management
Chronic stress increases risk. Meditation, sleep. Cortisol management.
Quit Smoking
Single most impactful change. Risk drops immediately. Normal after 15 years.
Sleep Optimization
7-9 hours. Treat sleep apnea. Poor sleep increases CVD risk significantly.