- One out of three people in the United States die from heart disease.
- Every 43 seconds, someone in the United States has a heart attack.
- Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke. Every 4 minutes, someone dies of stroke.
- 50% of patients who die suddenly from a heart attack had normal LDL cholesterol.
Even though heart attacks and strokes are the most common manifestations of cardiovascular disease, they are not the only ones.  All body organs require good blood supply, and when the vessels get clogged, problems start occurring everywhere.
Are you at risk?
If you see your doctor regularly, chances are you have been tested for cholesterol and blood lipids. The bad news is, traditional lipid testing performed by doctor’s office does not by itself predict your risk of a heart attack or stroke because it only reveals part of the picture. Standard cholesterol testing only classifies cholesterol as HDL (good) and LDL (bad). The actual picture is much more complicated because all cholesterol is carried in the blood stream by lipoprotein particles.
These lipoprotein particles and not necessarily the cholesterol within them, that are responsible for key steps in the production production of plaque in the blood vessels and the resulting development of cardiovascular disease. Therefore it comes as no surprise that approximately 50% of people suffering from a heart attack have “normal” cholesterol numbers. Just knowing your cholesterol levels is NOT enough! It does not provide a complete picture and can be misleading.
Our Comprehensive Heart Health Assessment uses advanced cholesterol testing technology that accurately measures both the density and the number of lipoprotein particles of different types.These measurements are critical for accurate assessment of cardiovascular risk.
Cardiovascular disease is caused by a combination of multiple factors:
- Lipids (and that’s the only item traditional testing focuses on)
- Inflammation
- Metabolism
- Genetics
Only knowing all 4 major components of each individual’s cardiovascular disease risk allows building the big picture and designing a custom personalized plan for improving cardiovascular health and lowering the risk of a heart attack, stroke, and other complications.
What does Comprehensive Heart Health Assessment consist of?
All four major areas contributing to heart disease are tested in detail:
1. Your lipids: are you at risk for forming blockages?
2. Your inflammation: do you have inflammation that can damage your arteries?
3. Your metabolism: is diabetes increasing your risk for heart disease?
4. Your genetics: how do genes help guide the right treatment and prevention plan?
Why is the test called comprehensive?
It is one of the most advanced tests currently available. Your blood will be tested for
- Cholesterol, both good and bad including lipoprotein particles, and other lipids
- Your body’s ability to produce cholesterol and remove bad cholesterol
- The presence of inflammation that increases the risk of blockages and what’s causing it
- The presence of excess sugar in your blood. The sugar damages the lining of your blood vessels and increases the risk of developing diabetes
- Your ability to respond to medication and lifestyle changes based on your unique genetic makeup
- How your unique genetics affect your ability to form blood clots that block the arteries and lead to heart attack and stroke
Will I be able to understand the results?
Yes! The detailed report you’ll receive is created with patient in mind, not just the doctor. It is beautifully illustrated and very easy to understand. It’ll help you learn what is going on inside your blood vessels and what is putting you at risk. The test results are clearly color coded with the reds warning you about being in the danger zone, yellows urging caution, and greens being good.
Your report will also include a list of food recommendations, a glossary of terms making the report even easier to understand, and a list of all tests with brief explanations.
How will the results help me improve my heart health?
Comprehensive Heart Health test not only provides detailed analysis of your cardiovascular health and risks but also offers real actionable information. You’ll be seen by a medical doctor who will prescribe, if required, all the necessary medications and supplements. You’ll receive a personalized treatment plan that takes into account your current health risks, your genetics, habits and lifestyle preferences. The plans main parts are
- Medications
- Supplements
- Lifestyle changes
Ultimately, the plan is all about you: how to move you out of the danger zone.
Our goal is “Get to Green.” For most people, cardiovascular disease is preventable and even reversible. It’s never too late or early to take action!
What lifestyle changes do you usually recommend?
We use a highly personalized approach, so our doctor will sit down with you to review the results and build a Personalized Nutrition and Life Plan. We’ll take into account your blood test results, your health history and risks as well as your personal preferences.
The plan typically includes:
- Weight goals
- Activity goals
- Nutrition and calorie goals
What will be in my personalized nutrition plan?
Your nutrition plan will consist of:
- Your nutrient (proteins, carbs and fats) goals
- Your list of great, OK, and limit foods
- Your personalized menu
Here is a sample list of foods:
What if I still have questions after IÂ receive my plan or just need extra support to stick to the plan and stay on track?
Getting support is a great idea. Our office will be happy to provide coaching for you.
A coach can:
- Answer your questions
- Further personalize your plan
- Help you set and achieve your goals
- Keep you motivated and celebrate milestones with you
How do I contact you to learn if the test is right for me or to make an appointment?
Please call our office at (203) 275-6666 or fill out the form below. We’ll be happy to answer your questions.