— Originally published in the Source Weekly, from Dr Phillips’ monthly column, The Medicine Cabinet Within.
For over a hundred years heart disease has consistently been the leading cause of death in the United States. In 2023, it accounted for approximately 22% of all American deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The reasons for this are complex, on one hand having to do with the fact that other endemic chronic health conditions like diabetes, obesity and hypertension all contribute to the development of heart disease. Smoking, lack of exercise and poor diet are also big contributors to heart attack and stroke. High rates of depression and anxiety, which lend to a smoldering state of physiologic stress contribute greatly to the biological conditions that create an unhealthy heart. For these reasons there are many inroads and opportunities beyond diet and drugs to keep our heart and cardiovascular systems healthy.
Individual Approach to Heart Health
I talk regularly with patients about individualized approaches to addressing existing cardiovascular disease and how to take thorough holistic steps to prevent it. Cholesterol levels on lab reports are often one of the big initial concerns and the discussion of whether to take a prescription statin medication is a typical starting point. LDL cholesterol (often called bad cholesterol) has become the topic of some controversy in academic circles, but with little doubt does contribute to the development of atherosclerosis (one of the main drivers of heart disease). We also know that having proportionally higher levels of HDL (the good cholesterol) is protective and lowers the risk of plaquing in arteries. Focusing on cholesterol levels alone, however, neglects other important variables that can be addressed for improving cardiovascular health.
Heart Disease and Inflammation
Inflammation levels also an important variable that can be a driver for heart disease and therefore should always be considered as part of the cardiovascular health conversation. Lab testing now allows us to look deeper at important markers that can help paint a fuller picture, beyond cholesterol alone, to understand cardiovascular disease risk and the status of active heart disease. Markers like hs-CRP, LP PLA2, Apo-B, and lipoprotein(a) can help us understand levels of cardiovascular inflammation more completely, as well as genetic influence on the cardiovascular system that may be contributing to a risk for heart disease.
The role of cholesterol
In the realm of cholesterol, triglyceride levels and cardiovascular inflammation, there are a plethora of holistic interventions that have huge impacts on treating and preventing heart disease. Health, or lack thereof, of the digestive system is a big deal when it comes to inflammation and therefore is also a priority when addressing heart health. Figuring out a dietary routine that does not inflame the gut is very important, and addressing any underlying disease state of the GI tract is crucial. Dietary choices are obviously very important for supporting a healthy balance of HDL and LDL cholesterol and it’s best to create an individualized plan that really works for your metabolic type, rather than following the latest trending diets. There are also a multitude of herbal and nutritional formulas that will help balance cholesterol levels, as well as address existing inflammation. As previously mentioned, addressing other contributing chronic illnesses like high blood pressure, high blood sugar and obesity must be considered priorities in keeping our hearts healthy.
The unHappy Heart
Because medicine has such diagnostic prowess with an endless array of tests that can be run, the realm of biochemistry and physiology often becomes the sole focus in addressing heart disease. Unfortunately, this approach alone neglects the fact that we are also deeply feeling, thinking and spiritual creatures, and these aspects of who and how we are greatly influence all the previously mentioned variables of physiology and cardiovascular health. It is not happenstance that phrases like “following our hearts,” experiencing “heartache” or “having a broken heart” are so deeply rooted in our cultural lexicon. Stress, anxiety and depression raise cortisol levels and contribute to other hormonal and metabolic imbalances that have been proven to contribute to heart disease.
Conversely, creating routines and practices in our lives that help us lean into the genuine experience of joy and contentment will invariably support our cardiovascular health. Ensuring we create time for rest, reflection and gratitude for all that is good in our lives, along with taking good care of our bodies, is undoubtedly a recipe for keeping our hearts vital and healthy in every way.
Joshua Phillips, ND is a naturopathic physician and the director at Hawthorn Healing Arts Center in Bend. Appointments with Dr. Phillips are available by calling 541-330-0334 email [email protected] or visit our online request form.