Naturopathic Cardiometabolic health Support

Let's talk HEART HEALTH! Cardiovascular health is important. Sometimes, it takes an event in our lives or in the lives of our loved ones to understand the importance of our health. Cardiovascular disease is an incredibly common chronic disease that may occur at any point or multiple points in our lives. It is also a disease that with a family history, especially, may magnify consequences in the future. In some cases, there is potential to change the environment in which genes are influenced (epigenetics) and are expressed. However, at times, certain genetic markers are difficult to change - these genes may be hereditary . This article is for information purposes only - please consult your qualified healthcare provider.

We are human. Nobody is perfect. Unless we all had angiograms done of our hearts routinely from a very young age (which is just not a possibility), we may not even know that we were at risk for a cardioavscular event. Below are some potential risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

These are risk factors that we can try and change (Modifiable risk factors):

• Sedentary lifestyle (lack of activity)

• Smoking

• Diet

• Diabetes (or family history of)

• High blood pressure (or family history of)

• High Blood lipid levels (unhealthy vs. healthy fats)

• Obesity

These are risk factors that we cannot change (Non-modifiable risk factors):

• Family history

• Gender

• Ethnicity

• Socio-economic status

• Environment (heavy metal/mold exposure, etc.) growing up

Modifiable risk factors may increase the risk of METABOLIC SYNDROME = High blood pressure, high cholesterol (unhealthy type), high blood sugar.

It is important to have routine blood work done with your primary health care provider (ND or MD) and/or specialist and any other tests for screening (ECG, EKG, etc.)

There are particular blood markers that can be checked in order to assess baseline risk for cardiovascular disease. These tests go beyond the general cholesterol panel & blood sugar markers normally performed. Speak with your Naturopathic Doctor for more information on Naturopathic Cardiometabolic Health Support tailored for you.

Dr. Nadia Mawji, ND

Calgary Naturopathic Doctor

**Any information provided in these posts are intended for information purposes only and not to be considered naturopathic medical advice. See your naturopathic doctor for individualized support & guidance