What is CardioMetabolic Disease?

CardioMetabolic Disease

CardioMetabolic disease, also known as metabolic syndrome, is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. It is characterized by a combination of metabolic abnormalities that affect the heart and metabolism. The specific criteria for diagnosing metabolic syndrome may vary slightly depending on different organizations and guidelines, but it typically includes a combination of the following factors:

1. Obesity: Excess body weight, particularly abdominal obesity, is a central feature of metabolic syndrome. It is often assessed using waist circumference measurements.

2. Insulin resistance: This occurs when the body's cells become less responsive to the effects of insulin, leading to elevated levels of insulin in the blood. Insulin resistance is a key factor in the development of type 2 diabetes.

3. High blood pressure: Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In metabolic syndrome, blood pressure levels are typically elevated.

4. Dyslipidemia: Abnormal lipid levels in the blood are also common in metabolic syndrome. This typically includes elevated triglyceride levels, reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol), and increased levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol).

5. Elevated blood sugar: Fasting blood glucose levels may be elevated in metabolic syndrome, indicating impaired glucose metabolism and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

The presence of these metabolic abnormalities increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, such as heart attacks, strokes, and other complications. It also raises the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and its associated complications.

The exact cause of metabolic syndrome is not fully understood, but it is believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic factors, unhealthy lifestyle choices (such as poor diet, sedentary behavior, and smoking), inflammation, oxidative stress and hormonal imbalances. Individuals with metabolic syndrome are at a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular events and should receive appropriate medical attention and lifestyle interventions to manage their condition and reduce their risk factors.

Who is at risk for CardioMetabolic Disease?

Here are some key factors that can increase the risk of cardiometabolic disease:

1. Obesity: People who are overweight or obese have a higher risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases. Excess body weight, particularly abdominal fat, can lead to insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and abnormal lipid levels.

2. Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity and leading a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to the development of cardiometabolic diseases. Regular exercise helps control weight, improve insulin sensitivity, and maintain overall cardiovascular health.

3. Poor diet: A diet high in processed foods, refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and added sugars can increase the risk of cardiometabolic disease. A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats is important for reducing the risk.

4. Family history: Having a family history of cardiometabolic disease, such as a parent or sibling with diabetes or heart disease, can increase an individual's susceptibility to developing these conditions.

5. Age: The risk of developing cardiometabolic disease increases with age. As people get older, their metabolism slows down, and they may be more prone to weight gain, insulin resistance, and other risk factors.

6. Ethnicity: Certain ethnic groups, such as Hispanics, African Americans, and South Asians, have a higher prevalence of cardiometabolic diseases compared to others. This increased risk may be attributed to genetic factors as well as lifestyle and dietary habits.

7. Smoking: Smoking tobacco is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including cardiometabolic diseases. Smoking damages blood vessels, increases blood pressure, and negatively affects lipid profiles.

8. Chronic conditions: Individuals with certain chronic conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure), dyslipidemia (abnormal blood lipid levels), non-alcoholic liver disease (NFLD) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at an increased risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases.

9. Gestational diabetes: Women who have had gestational diabetes during pregnancy have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other cardiometabolic conditions later in life.

It's important to note that while these factors may increase the risk of developing cardiometabolic disease, they do not guarantee the development of the condition.  Regular check-ups with healthcare professionals are also essential for early detection and management of risk factors associated with cardiometabolic diseases.

CardioMetabolic Reserve and Metabolic Continuum

Your risk for cardiometabolic disease takes years to develop.  The cumulative burden of years of poor choices eventually add up to create your risk or health profile.  This is called the metabolic continuum.  The speed of how fast you move along the metabolic continuum (from low risk to high risk) is determined by your genetics, diet and other lifestyle factors that affect your cardiometabolic reserve.  

Our bodies have a cardiovascular and metabolic reserve which is defined as your body's ability to withstand repeated insults (such as poor dietary choices, stress and toxins) and maintain normal function.  As with any reserve, its capacity is vulnerable to depletion, but also capable of being resupplied and strengthen. The good news is that even If you've made some unhealthy choices over your lifetime, you can change your course!!  However, if you take no action, your risk for disease will snowball as the years progress.

We can help you understand where you fall on the metabolic continuum, and how you can take steps to improve your trajectory as needed.

How do we test for CardioMetobolic Disease?

Testing for cardiometabolic disease involves a combination of medical evaluations, physical examinations, and laboratory tests. Here are some common tests and assessments used to diagnose and assess cardiometabolic disease:

1. Medical history and physical examination: Your healthcare provider will start by taking a detailed medical history, including information about your symptoms, risk factors, and family history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes. They will also perform a physical examination to assess your overall health, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference.

2. Fasting blood glucose test: This test measures your blood glucose levels after fasting for at least eight hours. It helps diagnose diabetes or prediabetes, which are common components of cardiometabolic disease.

3. Lipid profile: A lipid profile measures your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It typically includes total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides. Abnormal lipid levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

4. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): This test provides an average of your blood glucose levels over the past two to three months. It is commonly used to diagnose and monitor diabetes.

5. Blood pressure measurement: High blood pressure (hypertension) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Your blood pressure will be measured using a sphygmomanometer, and multiple readings may be taken to assess your average blood pressure.

6. Body composition analysis: Assessing your body composition can provide insights into your overall health and risk of cardiometabolic disease. This analysis may involve measurements such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and body fat percentage.

7. Additional tests: Depending on your symptoms, risk factors, and medical history, your healthcare provider may order additional tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess heart function, stress tests to evaluate cardiovascular fitness, or imaging tests like echocardiography or coronary angiography to visualize the heart and blood vessels.

It's important to note that these tests are typically used as part of a comprehensive evaluation. Your healthcare provider will interpret the results in conjunction with your medical history and physical examination findings to make an accurate diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Regular health check-ups and screenings are crucial for early detection and management of cardiometabolic disease.

How do we traditionally treat CardioMetabolic Disease?

The treatment of cardiometabolic disease involves a combination of lifestyle modifications, medications, and, in some cases, medical procedures. The specific treatment plan will depend on the individual's condition, risk factors, and overall health. Here are some common approaches to treating cardiometabolic disease:

1. Lifestyle modifications:

   • Healthy diet: Adopting a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limiting processed foods, saturated fats, trans fats, and added sugars.
   • Regular physical activity: Engaging in regular exercise, such as aerobic activities, strength training, and flexibility exercises. Striving for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities twice a week.
   • Weight management: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight through a combination of diet and exercise.
   • Smoking cessation: Quitting smoking to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications.

2. Medications:

   • Blood pressure management: Medications like angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), beta-blockers, diuretics, or calcium channel blockers may be prescribed to control high blood pressure.
   • Cholesterol management: Statins or other cholesterol-lowering medications may be prescribed to lower LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels while raising HDL cholesterol.
   • Blood sugar control: Medications, including oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin, may be prescribed to manage blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes.
   • Aspirin therapy: Low-dose aspirin may be recommended for individuals at high risk of cardiovascular events.

3. Medical procedures and interventions:

   • Angioplasty and stenting: In cases of significant blockages in coronary arteries, a procedure called angioplasty may be performed to open up the blood vessels. A stent may be placed to help keep the artery open.
   • Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG): For individuals with severe coronary artery disease, CABG surgery may be recommended. It involves bypassing blocked arteries using blood vessels taken from other parts of the body.

4. Management of underlying conditions: Effective management of conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia is essential to reduce the risk and progression of cardiometabolic disease. This includes regular monitoring, adherence to prescribed medications, and lifestyle modifications.

It's important to note that the treatment plan will vary based on individual circumstances, and it's crucial to work closely with healthcare professionals to develop a personalized treatment approach. Regular follow-ups and monitoring of cardiovascular risk factors are essential to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and make necessary adjustments.

How is Cardio-Well's approach to CardioMetabolic Disease different?

We use an integrative medicine  approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease, rather than just treating symptoms. While integrative medicine can be used to address various health conditions, including cardiometabolic disease, it's important to note that the specific treatment approach may vary depending on individual circumstances. Here are some general principles and potential treatments that may be utilized in an integrative approach to cardiometabolic disease:

1. Personalized approach: Integrative medicine practitioners aim to understand each patient's unique biochemical and genetic makeup, as well as their lifestyle factors, to develop personalized treatment plans.

2. Dietary modifications: Emphasis is placed on a whole-food, nutrient-dense diet that focuses on reducing inflammation, stabilizing blood sugar levels, and supporting overall metabolic health. Recommendations may include minimizing processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats while increasing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber.

3. Nutritional supplements: Depending on individual needs and deficiencies, integrative medicine practitioners may recommend specific nutritional supplements to support metabolic function and address nutrient imbalances. For example, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, coenzyme Q10, and vitamin D are commonly used in cardiometabolic conditions.

4. Lifestyle modifications: Stress management techniques, regular physical activity, and quality sleep are key aspects of integrative medicine treatment for cardiometabolic disease. Stress reduction practices like mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques may be recommended.

5. Gut health optimization: The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in metabolic health. Integrative medicine practitioners may focus on optimizing gut health through dietary interventions, probiotics, and prebiotics to support a healthy microbiome.

6. Detoxification support: Integrative medicine may involve assessing and addressing the body's detoxification pathways to enhance overall metabolic function. This may include lifestyle modifications, targeted supplementation, and support for liver and kidney health.

7. Hormonal balance: Balancing hormones, such as insulin, cortisol, and thyroid hormones, is essential for managing cardiometabolic disease. Integrative medicine practitioners may evaluate hormone levels and recommend interventions to restore balance, such as dietary changes and specific supplements.

8. Functional testing: Advanced laboratory testing may be employed to assess various biomarkers, nutrient deficiencies, genetic predispositions, and markers of inflammation or oxidative stress. These tests can provide insights into individual health factors and guide personalized treatment plans.

It's important to consult with a qualified integrative medicine practitioner or healthcare provider who specializes in cardiometabolic health to receive a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment recommendations. The treatment approach will be tailored to the individual's specific needs, taking into account their medical history, risk factors, and goals for optimal health.

By understanding the biologic relationships and genetic predispositions driving your cardiometabolic disease process, we are better equipped to help you identify your root causes and select lifestyle therapies that target the disease process.  We can then provide you with the greatest potential for reducing your cardiometabolic risk factors, restoring your control and regaining your WELLNESS.