Heart Disease

Introduction: Why Heart Disease Needs a New Approach

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death globally, affecting millions of individuals each year. Traditional treatments often focus on managing symptoms and using medications to control blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart rhythms. At Patients Medical in New York City, we take a more comprehensive approach. We focus on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of heart disease—such as chronic inflammation, poor diet, and stress—using natural and holistic treatments.

Our goal is not only to treat your heart disease but to prevent its progression and improve your overall cardiovascular health.

What Is Heart Disease?

Heart disease refers to a group of conditions that affect the heart, including coronary artery disease, heart attack, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, and valvular disease. The most common form, coronary artery disease (CAD), occurs when the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of fatty deposits.

Common types of heart disease include:

  • Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Reduced blood flow to the heart due to plaque buildup in the arteries.
  • Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction): Damage to the heart muscle caused by a blockage in the coronary arteries.
  • Congestive Heart Failure: A condition where the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently.
  • Arrhythmia: Abnormal heart rhythms, including atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmias.
  • Valvular Heart Disease: Disorders affecting the heart’s valves, disrupting blood flow.

Heart disease can manifest gradually over many years or develop suddenly due to lifestyle factors, genetics, or environmental influences.

Common Symptoms of Heart Disease

Root Causes: Why Did You Develop Heart Disease?

Functional medicine seeks to understand the root causes of heart disease, focusing on factors that contribute to the development of cardiovascular problems. The following are common root causes:

  • Chronic inflammation: Inflammation plays a key role in the buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to coronary artery disease and heart attacks.
  • Poor diet: Diets high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats contribute to plaque buildup, high cholesterol, and hypertension.
  • Chronic stress: Persistent stress raises cortisol and blood pressure, contributing to heart disease risk.
  • Toxin overload: Environmental toxins, heavy metals, and endocrine disruptors can impair heart function and increase inflammation.
  • Sleep issues: Poor sleep quality and sleep apnea increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.
  • Hormonal imbalance: Imbalances in hormones like thyroid, estrogen, and cortisol can negatively affect heart health.
  • Genetics and family history: Genetic factors and a family history of heart disease can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular issues.

Diagnostic Testing We Use

At Patients Medical, we offer comprehensive testing to identify the root causes of heart disease and assess cardiovascular health. Our diagnostic tools include:

Cholesterol and lipid panels (to assess cholesterol levels and overall lipid health)

C-reactive protein (CRP) and other inflammatory markers (to gauge inflammation levels in the body)

Echocardiogram and stress tests (to assess heart function and blood flow)

Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) (to measure heart rhythms and identify arrhythmias)

Blood pressure monitoring (to detect hypertension and cardiovascular risk)

Heavy metal testing (to identify any toxic buildup affecting heart health)

Integrative Treatments for Heart Disease

Nutritional Therapy

  • Anti-inflammatory foods (such as turmeric, omega-3-rich foods, and berries)
  • Heart-healthy diets (Mediterranean, DASH, or plant-based)
  • Low-glycemic meal planning (to stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of diabetes and heart disease)
  • Nutrient-dense foods (like leafy greens, nuts, and seeds to support heart health)

IV Vitamin Therapy

  • Vitamin C (a powerful antioxidant that reduces inflammation and supports vascular health)
  • Magnesium (helps regulate heart rhythm and lowers blood pressure)
  • Alpha-lipoic acid (supports detoxification and reduces oxidative stress)
  • Glutathione (a potent antioxidant that helps combat inflammation and supports detoxification)

Herbal & Nutraceuticals

  • Omega-3 fatty acids (reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol levels)
  • CoQ10 (supports energy production in heart cells and improves circulation)
  • Magnesium (helps with blood pressure regulation and heart rhythm)
  • Hawthorn berry (supports blood vessel health and circulation)

Stress Management

  • Acupuncture (to help reduce stress and regulate blood pressure)
  • Mindfulness and meditation (to reduce cortisol and improve heart rate variability)
  • Adaptogenic herbs (like Rhodiola and Ashwagandha to reduce stress and balance hormones)

Hormone Balancing

Imbalances in hormones like thyroid, cortisol, and estrogen can impact cardiovascular health. We use bioidentical hormones and other interventions to optimize hormone levels and support heart function.

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active are crucial to heart health. We offer medically supervised weight loss programs and customized exercise plans to improve cardiovascular fitness and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Real Case Study: Sarah’s Journey to Heart Health

Sarah, age 58, had been diagnosed with high blood pressure and high cholesterol for several years. Despite taking medication, she was still experiencing fatigue, shortness of breath, and anxiety. After comprehensive testing, we discovered high inflammation levels and a lack of vital nutrients needed for optimal heart health.

Her integrative plan included:

  • Anti-inflammatory diet (rich in omega-3s and antioxidants)
  • IV vitamin therapy (including magnesium and glutathione)
  • Herbal supplements (to support heart function and circulation)
  • Stress management program (including meditation and acupuncture)

After 4 months, Sarah’s blood pressure was normalized, cholesterol levels improved, and she felt more energetic and less anxious.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, with the right diet, stress management, exercise, and nutritional support, heart disease can often be prevented or its progression slowed.

Symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue, and swelling in the legs. Many people may not have symptoms until a major event occurs.

A heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, stress reduction, and weight management are key factors in improving heart health.

Some patients may reduce or eliminate medications under the supervision of their healthcare provider as their heart health improves.

Yes, imbalances in hormones such as thyroid, cortisol, and estrogen can increase the risk of heart disease.

We recommend regular cardiovascular screenings, including blood pressure checks, cholesterol testing, and inflammatory markers

Yes, we offer comprehensive testing including cholesterol panels, echocardiograms, stress tests, and hormone testing.

Improvements are typically seen within 3-6 months, depending on the severity of the condition

We are an out-of-network provider, but we offer superbills for reimbursement, and some lab tests may be covered.

While complete reversal may not always be possible, integrative treatments can significantly improve heart health and reduce risk factors.

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

Request your consultation today!

To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

Our medical center in New York City.

Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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