Cardiovascular disease is a bit of blanket term that encompasses any condition that affects the health of the heart, blood vessels and proper circulation. Most commonly it refers to any one or a combination of the following conditions:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• High cholesterol

• Hyperlipidemia (may include increased cholesterol and triglycerides)

• Atherosclerosis

• Peripheral Vascular Disease

• Metabolic Syndrome (also known as Syndrome X)

• Angina

• Aneurysm

• Congestive Heart Failure

• Mycardial Infarction (heart attack)

It is also important to remember that blood is pumped by the heart to every part of our body, passing through various filtration and balancing systems such as the liver, lungs and kidneys. Nutrients and molecules from the food we ingest are also brought into the blood via the digestive system, thus there are overlapping factors that influence the health of our cardiovascular system. The most significant, daily impact to cardiovascular health is often dietary choices including high levels of sugars, unhealthy fats, processed foods, sodium intake, stimulant intake (such as caffeine and alcohol) and lack of dietary fibre.

Assessment of Cardiovascular disease risk involves a complete medical intake, including family history and personal lifestyle habits. Bloodwork should include the following which may be done through your Medical Doctor or requisitioned at the clinic:

 Lipid panel including: Total Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, TG

 Homocysteine

 C-Reactive Protein

 Fasting Glucose

Additional testing including liver enzymes, kidney function and electroytes may also be indicated depending on individual concerns.

Naturopathic Medicine can offer integrative treatment for reducing prevention and treatment of many cardiovascular conditions. Treatment focuses on lifestyle and nutritional modifications along with key botanical supplements that can dramatically reduce the risk for many individuals. It may be used in conjunction with management and treatment through your MD, which may be highly indicated depending on the history and severity of your condition.

For more information on how Naturopathic Medicine can help you please contact the clinic at 416.738.6757 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it