Reviewed by Connie Casebolt, MD, MPH of Forum Health Greenville
At-A-Glance:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among men worldwide, often affecting men 10-15 years earlier than women.
- Traditional medicine treatments focus on symptom management (e.g., lowering cholesterol and blood pressure), whereas functional and integrative medicine targets the root causes.
- Watch videos from Forum Health’s Dr. Connie Casebolt on cardiovascular health risks, the link to other conditions, and advanced testing and lifestyle strategies to help men understand their risks and promote long-term health.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), also known as heart disease, remains the leading cause of death among men globally, affecting millions each year. In the US alone, 1 in every 4 men die from CVD and men typically develop heart disease 10-15 years earlier than women, reports the CDC.
Traditional medical approaches tend to focus solely on managing symptoms by using medications to lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and prevent heart attacks — but there is much more to heart health than just addressing high cholesterol or prescribing statins.
Key risk factors such as high blood pressure, poor diet, high cholesterol, tobacco and alcohol use, and lack of exercise contribute to the ongoing heart-health crisis.
While conventional treatments are essential, a growing number of men are turning to a more comprehensive and personalized approach. This perspective not only manages symptoms but seeks to identify and treat the root causes of cardiovascular disease, improving long-term outcomes and overall health and longevity through holistic care and advanced testing.
Understanding Cardiovascular Disease in Men
Symptoms of cardiovascular disease in men can vary based on the specific condition but commonly include:
- Chest Pain or Discomfort: Often described as a feeling of pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center or left side of the chest.
- Shortness of Breath: This may occur during physical activity or at rest and can be accompanied by fatigue.
- Fatigue: Unusual tiredness or weakness, especially during physical exertion, can be a sign of heart issues.
- Heart Palpitations: A feeling of irregular heartbeats, fluttering, or a racing heart.
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness: This may occur, especially during physical activities.
- Nausea or Indigestion: Some men may experience gastrointestinal discomfort, which can be mistaken for other issues.
- Pain in Other Areas: Discomfort may radiate to the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
- Swelling: Edema in the legs, ankles, or feet due to fluid retention.
- Cold Sweats: Sudden sweating, particularly if accompanied by other symptoms like chest pain.
It’s important to note that symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other health issues. Men should consult a healthcare provider if they experience any concerning symptoms, especially if they have risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Cardiovascular disease also encompasses a wide range of health conditions, including:
- Aortic Aneurysm
- Arrhythmia
- Coronary artery disease (CAD)
- Heart failure/Heart attack
- Hypertension
- Stroke
The common factor among these conditions is the buildup of plaque in the arteries, leading to restricted blood flow and increased risk of heart attacks or strokes.
While lifestyle factors are well-known contributors, there are other underlying causes that often go unaddressed by conventional treatments.
Hear from Forum Health Greenville’s Dr. Connie Casebolt on the connection between cardiovascular risk factors and conditions like dementia – and how you can reduce your risk.
A Big Picture Approach to Men’s Heart Health
Functional and integrative medicine takes a 360-degree approach to cardiovascular disease, looking at the body as an interconnected system. Instead of focusing only on individual symptoms, this perspective seeks to identify and address the underlying factors contributing to cardiovascular issues.
Top heart disease factors may include:
- Chronic Inflammation: A significant contributor to plaque formation in the arteries stemming from poor diet, gut health imbalances, autoimmune conditions, and chronic infections. Read more on how cardiovascular risk is linked to inflammation.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Many men with CVD may have deficiencies in critical nutrients such as magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and CoQ10. These nutrients play essential roles in heart health, supporting proper muscle function, reducing inflammation, and optimizing cellular energy production.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Testosterone and cortisol levels affect heart health: low testosterone, especially in aging men, is linked to higher cholesterol, insulin resistance, and CVD risk, while prolonged high cortisol (stress hormone) can lead to arterial damage and high blood pressure.
- Toxic Exposures: Environmental toxins such as heavy metals, pesticides, and pollution can accelerate cardiovascular disease by increasing oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Effective Strategies for Reducing Cardiovascular Risk
Our providers offer a fresh perspective on supporting men’s heart health by blending traditional treatments with evidence-based alternative therapies and advanced diagnostics.
This holistic approach emphasizes not just symptom management but a comprehensive focus on lifestyle transformations, tailored nutrition, stress management, and natural remedies.
Here are some key strategies to foster a healthy heart and promote long-term well-being.
Advanced Testing
Conventional CVD testing often centers on cholesterol and triglyceride levels, with many patients prescribed statins if cholesterol is elevated. However, a thorough cardiovascular assessment should go beyond these standard panels to include more comprehensive testing for a clearer, personalized picture of heart health.
In this video, Dr. Connie Casebolt dives into the advanced tests integrative and functional medicine providers use to uncover hidden cardiovascular risks.
Beyond traditional cholesterol and blood pressure tests, integrative and functional medicine offers advanced diagnostics that provide a clearer picture of cardiovascular risk including:
- Inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and liver enzymes give insight into underlying inflammation and its impact on heart health. Ideally, liver enzymes should be in the teens, as even slightly elevated levels may indicate fatty liver, a known risk factor for heart disease.
- Advanced lipid panels, which assess particle size and density, better predict heart disease risk than total cholesterol alone. Optimal levels include triglycerides below 100, HDL above 50, total cholesterol between 150-200, and LDL below 100. For those with a family history of heart disease, Apolipoprotein A (ApoA) testing is valuable in identifying genetic risk. Indian gooseberry (Amoa) can help manage elevated ApoA by regulating blood sugar and lipid levels.
- Fasting blood sugar, fasting insulin, and hemoglobin A1C assess regulation, while a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) provides personalized insights into how specific foods affect blood sugar levels.
- LP-PLA2 test links oral health and cardiovascular disease. Poor oral hygiene can lead to bacterial migration into the bloodstream, causing inflammation and plaque buildup in the heart’s arteries. If your LP-PLA2 is high, improving oral hygiene can help reduce cardiovascular risk.
- Homocysteine and vitamin D level tests are essential factors for identifying CBD. Homocysteine should be below 7 to minimize heart disease and hypertension risk, while vitamin D levels between 50-80 are optimal for cardiovascular protection.
- Genetic testing evaluates an individual’s predisposition to heart disease and how their body metabolizes fats, sugars, and toxins.
- Ferritin testing measures iron levels, which are crucial for heart health. Elevated ferritin can indicate excess iron, raising the risk of heart disease and cancer. Those with high ferritin levels may benefit from regular blood donation or reducing heme iron intake from animal sources.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormones play a significant role in heart health, particularly as men age. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) can significantly enhance heart health in men, especially those with low testosterone levels. It may improve lipid profiles by lowering LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.
Additionally, TRT can enhance insulin sensitivity, decrease systemic inflammation, and potentially lower blood pressure, all of which contribute to better cardiovascular health. By improving mood, energy levels, and exercise capacity, TRT encourages healthier lifestyle choices that further support heart wellness.
Personalized Nutrition
A heart-healthy diet tailored to an individual’s needs is central to preventing and managing cardiovascular disease. Instead of following a one-size-fits-all approach, integrative practitioners may recommend:
- Anti-inflammatory diets rich in whole foods, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats like omega-3 fatty acids from fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts.4
- Elimination of processed sugars, trans fats, and refined carbohydrates to reduce inflammation and support healthy blood sugar levels.
- Nutrient testing to identify deficiencies and create a targeted supplement regimen to restore optimal heart function.
Exercise and Movement
Physical activity is one of the most effective tools in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. But it’s not just about doing any exercise—it’s about doing the right kind for your body. Integrative practitioners often focus on:
- Customizing fitness programs that blend aerobic, strength, and flexibility training.
- Encouraging heart rate variability (HRV) monitoring to gauge how well the cardiovascular system responds to stress.
Stress Management and Mind-Body Therapies
Chronic stress is a silent driver of cardiovascular disease. Integrative medicine emphasizes the role of mental health in heart disease prevention, offering therapies such as:
- Meditation, yoga, or mindfulness practices to reduce stress and lower blood pressure.
- Acupuncture and biofeedback to balance the nervous system and promote relaxation.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to address anxiety, depression, or unresolved emotional trauma contributing to stress.
Natural Remedies and Supplements
Functional and integrative medicine practitioners often recommend evidence-based supplements to support heart health, such as:
- Omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol profiles.
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) to support energy production in heart cells and improve blood vessel function.
- Magnesium regulates heart rhythms, lowers blood pressure, and improves overall cardiovascular health.
- Adaptogens like ashwagandha and rhodiola to balance cortisol levels and enhance the body’s resilience to stress.
Prioritize Prevention: Uncover Your Unique Heart Health Risks
Heart disease is often silent, with sudden death being the first symptom in many cases. Comprehensive testing and a preventive approach can drastically reduce your risk.
Visit us at Forum Health, where our expert doctors and specialists can guide you through this process, help you understand your unique cardiovascular risk factors, and develop a personalized plan for long-term heart health.
Take charge of your heart health today!
Speak with one of our Health Advisors to discuss treatments, providers, costs and if Forum Health is right for you!
