Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)
The risk for heart disease comes from both genetic and lifestyle factors.
Together, we can create habits and an environment that promotes heart health, no matter your genetic risk.
Cardiovascular disease includes and is not limited to conditions such as: hypertension (high blood pressure), insulin resistance, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), pre-diabetes/diabetes, atherosclerosis, varicose veins, coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and high cholesterol and/or triglycerides.
I take a whole-person approach to cardiovascular health. I focus on addressing root drivers such as nutrition, inflammation, stress, gut, liver, and kidney function, while optimizing metabolism, circulation, and heart function. I work collaboratively with your medical team to provide safe, integrative, and coordinated care. For those with a family history of heart disease, I provide guidance on early prevention to protect cardiovascular health over the long term.
As a Naturopathic Doctor, I am thoroughly trained in assessing potential herb-supplement-drug interactions. I take a thoughtful approach to ensure any natural therapies complement your current medications safely.
Key Areas Assessed:
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Primary concerns and symptom patterns, such as weight changes, fatigue, blood pressure irregularities, exercise tolerance, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort
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History of metabolic or cardiovascular diagnoses, including insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, or family history of heart disease
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Dietary patterns, including macronutrient balance, fiber intake, meal timing, and processed food exposure
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Blood sugar regulation, assessing energy crashes, cravings, and symptoms of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia
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Physical activity and movement habits, including cardiovascular fitness, resistance training, and daily activity levels
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Stress, sleep, and nervous system regulation, recognizing the impact on metabolic and vascular function
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Medication and supplement history, including antihypertensives, lipid-lowering agents, and glucose-modulating medications
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Inflammatory and lifestyle risk factors, such as smoking history, alcohol intake, and environmental exposures
Functional Testing
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Blood sugar and insulin regulation, including fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, and C-peptide
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Lipid profiles, including cholesterol, ApoB, ApoA, particle size, and triglycerides
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Markers of inflammation and oxidative stress such as hs-CRP, ferritin, and homocysteine
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Blood pressure trends
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Liver function markers, given the liver’s role in lipid and glucose metabolism
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Calculating cardiovascular risk with validated tools such as the Framingham risk score and total cholesterol/HDL or triglyceride/HDL ratios.
Individualized Treatment Plan
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Personalized nutrition therapy, emphasizing blood sugar stability, anti-inflammatory eating patterns, and fiber-rich foods
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Targeted supplementation, such as nutrients and botanicals to support lipid balance, insulin sensitivity, vascular integrity, and mitochondrial function
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Botanical medicine, selected for antihypertensive, lipid-modulating, antioxidant, or endothelial-supportive actions
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Lifestyle interventions, including structured physical activity, stress reduction, sleep optimization, and circadian rhythm support
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Weight management strategies, focused on metabolic health rather than calorie restriction alone
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Collaborative care, coordinating with primary care providers or specialists when pharmaceutical management is indicated
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Ongoing monitoring and adjustment, ensuring interventions remain effective, safe, and aligned with patient goals