Areas that are addressed to lower risk of cardiometabolic disease:
Lipoprotein Profile Beyond Total Cholesterol
While cholesterol levels (particularly LDL-C) were traditionally used as primary markers for assessing cardiovascular risk, contemporary research suggests that other biomarkers and assessments may offer a more comprehensive and reliable understanding of cardiovascular health. These markers often take into account inflammation, endothelial function, and metabolic health, which play crucial roles in cardiovascular disease (CVD).
More Reliable Markers for Cardiovascular Risk:
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB): Measures the number of atherogenic lipoproteins (LDL, VLDL, Lp(a)) and is considered more predictive of CVD than LDL-C.
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]: A genetically determined lipoprotein associated with higher cardiovascular risk, particularly in people with a family history of CVD.
LDL Particle Size and Number (LDL-P): Smaller, denser LDL particles are more atherogenic than larger, buoyant particles.
Elevated Blood Pressure (BP)
Chronic high BP may go undetected and may be identified at a health check. Prolonged high BP puts stress on the heart and arteries leading to diseases such as angina, heart attacks, stroke, peripheral arterial disease), but it can also be detrimental to your vision, kidney function, cognitive function, and sexual function.
Causes of high BP are multifactorial including insulin resistance, poor nutrition, nutrient deficiencies, sleep apnoea, obesity, chronic stress, & other sources of chronic inflammation.
An assessment and analysis of the root causes will help to target dietary and lifestyle changes.
Elevated Blood Sugar
Elevated blood sugar levels are a significant source of chronic inflammation. High blood sugar increases the risk of developing many chronic illnesses, such as insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and liver disease, and it also increases the risk of certain cancers.
Lifestyle choices play a significant role in developing elevated blood sugar levels. For this reason, a functional medicine approach examines not only your diet but also your lifestyle: your level of stress and physical activity, the quality and quantity of your sleep, the presence of environmental toxins, and the health of your gut. The approach works to minimise risk factors and increase overall health.
“I was signposted to Suparna after having a Stroke and also with Type 2 Diabetes.
During the initial consultation, Suparna took the time to understand my health concerns and how they were impacting on my daily life.
Suparna was very thorough, noting the medications I had been prescribed and what I wanted to achieve with her support.
During the second consultation, Suparna again took the time to ask about my health. Suparna had designed a balanced, nutritious diet based on my medical conditions and medications.
Suparna took the time to go through the plan, allowing time for questions and feedback. It was helpful that Suparna explained the menu plan without using excessive medical terminology and explaining in a way that I was able to understand.
I found the entire time during the consultations that Suparna was attentive, a good listener and took the time to gather as much information as possible, to ensure the menu plan was tailored to my health needs and the goals set.”
COLIN, 51
Obesity
Obesity, defined as a BMI of >30, is rising worldwide. 26% of adults in the UK are obese, and three-quarters of people aged 45–74 are overweight or obese. Obesity is a risk factor for many chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and also for many cancers. The visceral fat releases hormones and inflammatory substances into the bloodstream. Obesity contributes to chronic inflammation that may support the development of atherosclerosis or plaques in the blood vessels. Increases in body weight and adiposity also activate the sympathetic nervous system and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), which may contribute to vasoconstriction and elevations in blood pressure. Identifying the root causes and making dietary and lifestyle changes can help with obesity and improve cardiometabolic health.
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic Syndrome is a cluster of physiological abnormalities that can lead to the development of heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes.
To be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, an individual must have three of the five following conditions:
Elevated blood sugar
High blood pressure
Low levels of HDL cholesterol
Elevated triglycerides
Large waist circumference
Physical inactivity, insulin resistance, genetics, age, and chronic inflammation are the underlying factors for metabolic syndrome.
Frequently asked questions by our clients
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Functional medicine uses a thorough evaluation of the person's health, lifestyle, nutrition assessment, and functional testing to uncover the root cause of biochemical imbalances. Functional medicine addresses the root causes of each person's health problem using tailored lifestyle modifications, nutritional strategies, and targeted therapies. This personalised approach supports and empowers individuals to optimise their health.
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Yes, our practitioners will be able to identify the tests that are relevent to your unique situation, including your genetic predisposition factors,
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Focus on Root Causes: Many of these markers provide insight into inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic health, which are direct drivers of atherosclerosis and CVD.
Predictive Power: Markers like ApoB and hs-CRP have been shown in studies to be better predictors of cardiovascular events than cholesterol alone.
Personalised Assessment: These biomarkers allow for a more nuanced understanding of an individual's risk, facilitating tailored interventions.
If you’d like to know more, please get in touch or book in a free call by clicking the link below.