Cardiovascular Health: Protecting Your Most Vital Asset
At Cardiac Longevity Clinic, we’re passionate about helping you live a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life. We recognize that heart health is intrinsically linked to overall well-being and longevity. Our approach goes beyond simply treating symptoms; we address the root causes of cardiovascular disease and age-related decline, empowering you to take control of your health destiny.
Understanding Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an umbrella term encompassing various conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. The most common types of CVD include:
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): CAD occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to the buildup of plaque, a process known as atherosclerosis. This can lead to chest pain (angina), heart attack, and heart failure.
- Stroke: A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted, either by a blockage (ischemic stroke) or a rupture (hemorrhagic stroke) in a blood vessel. Strokes can cause permanent brain damage, disability, and even death.
- Heart Failure: Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs and feet.
Risk Factors: Knowledge is Power
Understanding the risk factors for cardiovascular disease empowers you to take control of your heart health. Some risk factors, such as age and family history, cannot be modified. However, many others can be managed through lifestyle changes and medical interventions. These include:
HIGHT BLOOD PRESSURE
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke. According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure. Regularly monitoring your blood pressure and working with your healthcare provider to keep it in a healthy range is crucial.
DIABETES
Individuals with diabetes are at a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The American Diabetes Association states that adults with diabetes are 2-4 times more likely to die from heart disease compared to those without diabetes.
HIGH CHOLESTEROL
Elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol, can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults aged 20 and older have their cholesterol checked every 4-6 years
SMOKING
Cigarette smoking is a leading preventable cause of cardiovascular disease. The chemicals in tobacco smoke damage the lining of blood vessels, increase the risk of blood clots, and reduce the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
Cutting-Edge Research
At the Cardiac Longevity Clinic, we stay at the forefront of cardiovascular research to provide you with the most innovative and effective strategies for heart health. Some recent advancements include:
PCSK9 Inhibitors: These novel medications have shown remarkable success in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, even in patients who have not responded well to traditional statin therapy. Studies have shown that PCSK9 inhibitors can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in high-risk individuals.
SGLT-2 Inhibitors: Initially developed for type 2 diabetes, SGLT-2 inhibitors have surprised the medical community with their profound benefits for heart failure patients, even those without diabetes. These medications work by blocking the reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys, leading to increased glucose excretion in urine. This mechanism, while lowering blood sugar, also appears to have direct protective effects on the heart, independent of their glucose-lowering action. Large clinical trials have consistently shown that SGLT-2 inhibitors significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization and death from heart failure, improve symptoms, and slow the progression of the disease. This class of drugs represents a major advancement in heart failure management, offering new hope for millions affected by this condition.
Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair (TEER) for Mitral Valve Regurgitation: TEER is a minimally invasive procedure that offers a groundbreaking alternative to open-heart surgery for treating mitral valve regurgitation. In this condition, the mitral valve in the heart doesn’t close properly, allowing blood to leak backward. TEER involves inserting a catheter through a vein in the groin and guiding it to the heart. A small clip is then implanted on the mitral valve leaflets, mimicking the effect of surgical repair. TEER has shown excellent results in improving symptoms, heart function, and quality of life for patients with severe mitral regurgitation who are at high risk for surgery.
Your Partner in Heart Health
At the Cardiac Longevity Clinic, we are committed to being your partner in achieving optimal cardiovascular health. Our team of expert cardiologists, dieticians, and fitness specialists work together to provide you with personalized care and support. By scheduling a consultation with our clinic, you will have access to state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, cutting-edge treatments, and comprehensive education to help you navigate your heart health journey with confidence.
Invest in your heart health today by contacting the Cardiac Longevity Clinic to schedule your personalized consultation. Together, we can create a roadmap to a longer, healthier life.
Learn More About Our Unique Approach to Longevity
Address
Suite 201 (Second Floor)
1370 Clyde Avenue
Ottawa, ON
K2G 3H8
Contact
Phone: 613-366-2164
Fax: 613-761-1944
Email: [email protected]
Emergency Contact: 911 or go to your nearest ER
