What's the age of your heart?
By Dr. Erica Volk, ND
Did you know that your heart may be older than you are? If you have certain risk factors like diabetes, elevated cholesterol, or high body mass index (BMI), these problems could be making your heart more vulnerable to coronary artery disease or a heart attack. Having this heightened risk essentially makes your heart older than your actual biological age!
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in North America. The good news is that there are several things you can do to keep your heart healthy and reduce your cardiovascular age.
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in North America. The good news is that there are several things you can do to keep your heart healthy and reduce your cardiovascular age.
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First, find out your cardiovascular age by completing the free 5-minute quiz HERE.
While some of the risk factors like our gender and biological age can't be modified, there are several ways you can reverse the ravages of time if you find out your heart is, in fact, older than you are. These strategies include:
- Stop smoking
- Lower your "bad" cholesterol
- Increase your "good" cholesterol
- Manage your blood pressure
- Manage your blood sugar
- Lose weight
- Exercise more
Many people might be aware they have high cholesterol or high blood pressure but they don't know what to do about it! For all of these problems (like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, blood sugar issues, weight problems, and tobacco addiction) there are both natural and pharmaceutical treatments available.
As a naturopathic doctor, I am an expert in natural and pharmacological solutions for these problems and can educate you on your options and the relative risks and benefits of each of the treatment options available. I frequently use practical medical tools and calculators to educate you about just how much benefit a given treatment might offer you so you can decide whether the potential adverse effects will be worth it for you. This approach to treatment of cardiovascular disease is empowering. You get to decide which treatment is right for you! You deserve this kind of care!
I strive to do whatever I can to help you to feel and function better, prevent development of chronic disease, and live a longer, healthier life! Please feel free to learn more about working with me and my approach. If you have any questions about how I can support your heart health or reduce risk factors for cardiovascular disease, please contact me through my online contact form or give me a call.
Let's reclaim your youthful heart!
**It can be difficult to find a doctor in BC. If you're looking for a primary care doctor in BC who is accepting new patients, I can help. Appointments are available in-person in Kelowna or virtually from anywhere in BC.