Integrative Cardiology

Integrative cardiology & Revivelife™ Ienergy Power Cardio Program, Ottawa: targeting lifestyle, nutrition, stress management, blood sugar regulation, inflammation, and cardiovascular remedies.

Integrative cardiology & Revivelife™ Ienergy Power Cardio Program, Ottawa: targeting lifestyle, nutrition, stress management, blood sugar regulation, inflammation, and cardiovascular remedies.

Despite the most modern technology and drugs cardiovascular disease still continues to be the number one killer in North America. The Ienergy Power Cardio Program (IE-PCP) is designed to use integrative cardiology targeting lifestyle, nutrition, stress management, blood sugar regulation, inflammation, and cardiovascular remedies to find a heart-smart program for you.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a group of medical conditions that relate to the heart or blood vessels. CVD can lead to more serious conditions such as heart attack or stroke. It includes common  conditions like:

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Atherosclerosis (build-up of fatty deposits in blood vessels)
  • Ischemic heart disease (narrowing of coronary arteries)
  • Cerebrovascular disease (disease pertaining to the blood vessels in the brain)
  • Inflammatory Heart Disease (myocarditis, pericarditis, endocarditis)
  • Angina (pain in the chest from reduced blood supply to the heart)

Cardiovascular disease currently affects 1 in 3 adult Americans and it is estimated that heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases account for 1 in every 6 U.S. health dollars spent.1,2

Although markers like blood pressure and cholesterol have been used for cardiovascular risk over 50% of people who have heart attacks have normal LDL-cholesterol.3 We also now know that cholesterol is not the cause of heart disease but that it is an antioxidant that goes to sites of inflammation and damage to help repair. So although it is still a marker of heart disease it does not play the role that we once thought it does.

The Revivelife™ Ienergy Power Cardio Program includes advanced integrative cardiology to determine your risk and then a plan to help in the prevention and potential reversal of heart disease through lifestyle medicine and integrative nutrients.

To Book an Appointment Click Here or Call 613-829-7100

References

  1. Roger VL, Go AS, Lloyd-Jones DM, et al; for The American Heart Association Statistics Committee and Stroke Statistics Subcommittee. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics 2011 Update: A Report from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2011;123:e18–e209.
  2. High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol. Vital Signs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site. http://www.cdc.gov/VitalSigns/CardiovascularDisease/index.html. Accessed March 30, 2012.
  3. Sachdeva A, Cannon CP, Deedwania PC, et al; for the Get With The Guidelines Steering Committee and Hospitals. Lipid levels in patients hospitalized with coronary artery disease: an analysis of 136,905 hospitalizations in Get With The Guidelines. Am Heart J. 2009;157(1):111–117.e2.

 

Signs & Symptoms Can Include

  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Chest pain (angina)
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in your legs or arms if the blood vessels in those parts of your body are narrowed.
  • Pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen or back.

To Book an Appointment Click Here or Call 613-829-7100

 

At Revivelife™ the following Cardio Labs Are Available

Ienergy Cardio 1: Core (Lipid Panel (cholesterol, HDL, TG, LDL, CHOL/HDL Ratio))

Ienergy Cardio 2: Core Plus (Lipid Panel (cholesterol, HDL-C, TG, LDL-C & CHOL/HDL-C Ratio), Apolipoprotein A, Apolipoprotein B, Apolipoprotein Lp(a), A/B

Ienergy Cardio 3: Advanced

  • Cardiovascular Risk: Lipid Panel  (cholesterol, HDL, LDL, CHOL/HDL Ratio
  • Lipoprotein Particle Numbers: VLDL, Particles, tLDL Particles; NON-HDL Particles (RLP, small dense LDL III & IV); Total HDL Particles: Large buoyant HDL 2b)
  •  Inflammation: hsCRP, Lp(a), ApoB 100, Homocysteine
  •  Blood Sugar & Metabolism: Insulin, Glucose, HbA1C, C-Peptide, Adiponectin, Leptin, Metabolic Syndrome, CardioMetabolic Risk Score
  •   Nutrients: Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Ienergy Cardio 4: Genetics: DNA markers for Cardio Risk

Ienergy EndoPAT 2000: Evaluation of endothelial health a key aspect of cardio risk and treatment response test.

ADVANCED CARDIO LABS

To Book an Appointment Click Here or Call 613-829-7100

 

Designed Features

The Revivelife™  Ienergy Power Cardio Program (IE-PCP) is designed to integrate the most advanced lab testing (adding additional markers that are not normally run in your standard blood tests), lifestyle medicine including advanced nutrition and natural remedies to optimize cardiovascular health.  Markers that influence your heart health like digestion & nutrient absorption, blood sugar, chronic inflammation, iron levels, hormones, particle size and the various sub-fractions of cholesterol are investigated and tracked regularly to ensure your program has been customized to the right fit for you.

We focus on assessments including lab work with a goal of reaching “optimal levels” versus “normal levels”.

The Program is as easy as 1, 2, 3 and Includes

1. The Assessment

To Get Started…..As each person’s wellness is unique to them, it is important that we understand your whole health first. We recommend a New Patient Assessment, where we will review your general health, cardio system, hormone balance, labs to date and determine the proper new lab tests to run. This helps us determine if the Ienergy Power Cardio Program (IE-PCP) is the right fit for you. The appointment is an hour-long and includes the Ienergy Core Urine Test which is a screening test for your adrenal gland (that produces stress hormones and is the backup organ for sex hormone production), digestion and pH.

Many insurance companies cover Naturopathic care, please check into the specifics for your insurance.

2. Testing

The next step is lab testing to evaluate where your general health & hormones are to begin with. The IE-PCP Includes the following labs:

  • Ienergy Core Lab: To screen for pH, adrenal gland and digestive function (as above included in your New Patient Visit)
  • Ienergy Cardio 3: Advanced
  • Ienergy EndoPAT 2000: Tests for the health of the endothelium (the lining to blood vessels) a key factor in cardiovascular health.
  • Hormone Blood Work: Hormones influence cardiovascular risk.

3.  The Doctor’s Report

The Doctor’s Hormone Report and Plan will summarize all the clinical findings, get you started on the initial recommendations which may include nutritional suggestions, detoxification or other therapies help prepare you for optimal cardio health and care.

4. Ienergy Power Cardio Program

If it is determined that integrative cardiology is the right path for you your Revivelife™ team will get you started on your plan to optimal heart health.  You can either choose our Ienergy Power Cardio Program (IE-PCP) which includes:

  1. Consultations: Monthly x 11
  2. Labs: Month 0, Month 3, Month 11: Ienergy Core Lab, Ienergy Cardio 3, Ienergy EndoPAT 2000 and Hormone Blood Work, as above

OR you can choose to be supported with your cardiovascular health not on a program basis and just on a consulting basis. The program has been designed for optimal care and efficiency financially.

*Note- for those that may have a hormone imbalance, additional care may be recommended which are available outside of the program for a fee.

To Book an Appointment Click Here or Call 613-829-7100

The Benefits of the Ienergy Power Cardio Program (IE-PCP) Include

Nutrition: The role of nutrition is key in the development and prevention of cardiovascular disease.

The angiogram (specialized x-ray of vessels) below is of a 44 year old surgeon who had occasional chest discomfort but no markers of cardiovascular disease risk (electrocardiogram, stress echocariography, thallium scanning, cholesterol, lipoprotein (a) or homocysteine). He did not smoke and had no family history of heart disease. He did however eat the Standard North American Diet. The before angiogram is after having a heart attack while the after is 32 months after committing to a plant-based menu and no cholesterol lowering drugs.  The result was that his disease was completely reversed. Even though the lifestyle change of following a plant-based menu is initially hard to commit to the results are undeniable.

 

ANGIOGRAM

 

According to the American Heart Association a menu with a large plant-based foundation (plenty of vegetables and fruits) and low in processed saturated fats (i.e. cheese, trans fats (cakes, cookies & fast food) compared to the Standard North American Diet can lower the risk of new major cardiac events by up to 73%.  Trans fats are oils that have been hydrogenated to turn them into semi-hard fats.

Unsaturated fats, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated are beneficial for heart health.  They are present in fish, nuts, seeds, and vegetables.

The essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 are found in oily fish and in nuts and seeds.  A ratio of 1: 1 omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids reduces the risk of chronic inflammation while the current norm of 1: 16 omega-3 to omega-6 in North America is pro-inflammatory. The IE-PCP is designed to optimize this ratio to be heart smart.

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.  If you have a diet high in processed salt (sodium) your risk of hypertension increases. It has been estimated according to the American Heart Association that a universal reduction in dietary intake of processed sodium by about 1 gram of sodium a day, about 3 grams of salt, would lead to a 50% reduction in the number of people needing treatment for hypertension.  The same decrease would lead to a 22% drop in the number of deaths resulting from strokes and a 16% fall in the number of deaths from coronary heart disease. Thus the IE-PCP focuses on using natural unrefined sea salt that contains healthy minerals and keeping the intake to less than 3/4 of a teaspoon or 1500mg/day.

The foundation of the IE-PCP nutrition is plant-powered focusing on your intake of fruits and veggies. Low fruit and vegetable intake account for about 20% of cardiovascular disease worldwide. Fruit and vegetables contain components that protect against heart disease and stroke. Whole grains are unrefined and do not have the bran or germ removed. Whole grains contain folic acid, B vitamins, and fiber which are key to heart health. Eating nuts regularly is associated with a decreased risk of coronary heart disease.

There is evidence that soy has a beneficial effect on blood lipid levels. Eating 47 grams of traditionally prepared non-GMO soy protein a day led to a 9% drop in total cholesterol and a 13% reduction in LDL cholesterol in one study of people without any heart disease according to the American Heart Association.

Nutritional Supplementation:

Certain key nutrients like magnesium, niacin, omega fatty acids,  lysine, arginine and vitamin C are important to cardiovascular health including the health of the endothelium (the lining of the blood vessels) to maintain the elasticity of the vessels.  Where indicated appropriate recommendations will be made.

The Risks of Traditional Medications To Manage Cardio Health Include

Statins: Crestor, Lipitor, Advicor, Mevicor,  Simcor, Altoprev, Lescol, Pravacol, Zocor, Caduet and Vytorin.

Statins are by far one of the most often prescribed medications to lower cholesterol. Statins act by blocking HMG-CoA reductase the enzyme in your liver responsible for making cholesterol.

However, they may not be as safe as people are lead to believe. Firstly, by blocking HMG-CoA reductase statins will also block the formation of CoQ10 a powerful antioxidant and nutrient needed for energy production. Your heart, in particular, has a higher energy requirement for CoQ10 to function optimally. Produced mainly in your liver, it also plays a role in maintaining blood glucose.

There are now over 900 studies proving their side effects.1 Noted side effects of statins include: muscular problems, nerve damage, acidosis, immune dysfunction, pancreas dysfunction, liver dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, cataracts, anemia, memory loss, diabetes and potentially cancer.1

The impact of statins and hormone health is also significant. Statin drugs interfere with an early step in the mevalonate pathway, which is the central pathway for the steroid management in your body. This effects all of your sex hormones, cortisone, dolichols (keep the interior of cell membranes healthy) and all sterols (including cholesterol and vitamin D which is produced from cholesterol in your skin. Vitamin D improves insulin resistance and thus further assists blood sugar regulation. Deficiencies in cholesterol thus contribute to blood sugar problems including diabetes.

Antiplatelets & Aspirin: Plavix (antiplatelet clopidogrel)

Both are medications that help to stop prostaglandins to prevent blood clots.  Plavix is stronger than aspirin and is often prescribed in combination with aspirin.  They’re often prescribed after a patient has had a heart attack or stroke. Common side effects are increased risk of internal bleeding and thus a proton pump inhibitor may also be prescribed to protect the stomach lining.

Diuretics (water pills): Lasix, Bumex, Demadex, Diuril, Midamor, Chlorthalidone, Esidrix, Hydrodiuril, Lozol, Zaroxolyn, Dyrenium

Diuretics reduce fluid and thus ease the pressure in the arteries and reduce the workload to the heart. They also reduce sodium buildup in the lungs and other areas of the body. They are often the first drug of choice for high blood pressure. The most common side effects include increased urination,  too low blood pressure (causing dizziness),  headaches,  increased thirst, muscle cramps; gout (rare), menstrual changes; and impotence. It is important to monitor fluid levels, kidney function, potassium, magnesium and or calcium while using diuretics.

ACE Inhibitors (Angiotension-Converting Enzyme): Prinivil, Accupril, Monopril, Capoten, Vasotec, Aceon, Altace, Mavik &  Zestril

ACE Inhibitors block the production of a hormone called angiotensin II, which causes arteries to constrict. They are used to lower blood pressure (BP) moderately. If a more significant reduction of BP is required a diuretic may also be prescribed.  Potential risks include a two-steep drop in BP which may cause dizziness and fainting, dry cough, reduced kidney function and increased potassium (which can lead to abnormal heart rhythms), swelling of the face and throat,

Beta-Blockers (Beta-Adrenergic Blocking Agents): Toprol-XL, Coreg CR, Zebeta, and others

Beta-blockers work to slow down the heart rate and decrease the strength of heart contractions. This reduces the stress on the heart. They are often prescribed for those who have had high blood pressure (historically), ventricular arrhythmia, a heart attack or have congestive heart failure.  The side effects may include: fatigue, nausea, depression,  excess slowing of the heart rate leading to dizziness or fainting and constriction of airways (thus are contraindicated in those with chronic lung disease or asthma).

Calcium Channel Blockers: Norvasc, Cardizem, Tiazac, Cardene SR, Procardia, Sular, Calan, Verelan, Covera-HS, and others.

These medications prevent calcium from getting into cells of the heart and blood vessel walls.  They allow the heart to pump more easily by relaxing and widening blood vessels so that the heart is able to pump more easily. Some can also slow the heart rate. Calcium channel blockers are often prescribed for irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and angina (chest pain). They also lower blood pressure.  Common side effects include: constipation or diarrhea, dizziness,  rapid heartbeat, flushing or feeling warm, nausea, headaches,  fatigue, swelling in the feet and lower legs and potentially reduction of your body’s ability to clear the medication from the body, allowing for an unsafe build-up.

Anticoagulants (blood thinners): Coumadin

Anticoagulants thin the blood thereby helping to prevent the formation of blood clots. They are commonly prescribed for heart failure patients who also have atrial fibrillation (a common type of arrhythmia).  They block vitamin K, a nutrient that the liver uses to produce clotting proteins. Possible side effects include too much or too little blood thinning which may be influenced by foods that increase vitamin K such as leafy, green vegetables or other medications.  Your medical team will track your INR to ensure that the dose is right for you.

Vasodilators  (nitrates): Nitroglycerin, Apresoline, minoxidil, Isordil, Natrecor

Vasodilators dilate blood vessels so blood flows more easily and your heart doesn’t have to work as hard. They are most often prescribed after heart failure,  pulmonary hypertension (blood pressure that affects the arteries in your lungs),  high blood pressure during pregnancy or childbirth and less often to treat high blood pressure (generally as a last resort medicine when other blood pressure medications haven’t worked).  Common side effects include:  headaches, dizziness, flushing, varying degrees of sodium and water retention (edema), facial changes, excessive hair growth, allergic reactions, chest pain, rapid heart beat, palpitations and increased risk of developing lupus (rare).

To Book an Appointment Click Here or Call 613-829-7100

References

  1. Golomb BA1, Evans MA.,Statin adverse effects: a review of the literature and evidence for a mitchondrial mechanism, Am J Cardiovasc Drugs. 2008;8(6):373-418. doi: 10.2165/0129784-200808060-00004.,PMID:19159124, PMC2849981