Full Circle Integrative Health

Cardiovascular disease is common. How is it that some people get this condition even when living a healthy lifestyle and others don’t develop this when not paying attention to their health?

How does one understand if they are at risk of cardiovascular disease?

The answer is complicated. There’s of course genetics that play a role, but also other variables such as hormone levels, stress, lifestyle, and metabolic factors that can play a role. 

I often break this down into three tests:
 
1) Cholesterol panel
2) Lipoprotein A (Lp(a))
3) Coronary artery calcium score
 

Why is it best not to rely on cholesterol alone?

High cholesterol is not always associated with plaque formation. Healthy cholesterol levels doesn’t mean there is no risk of plaque. A cholesterol panel is only a risk factor (among many other risk such as smoking, alcohol, excess weight, high blood pressure, early menopause, gestational diabetes, diabetes and the list can go on). 
 
Diving deeper is usually better to know your heart disease risk.
A lipoprotein A gives you insight of your risk of forming plaque in your blood vessels. The higher the number, the higher the risk of plaque and the higher the risk of cardiovascular disease. It should be checked once in a person’s lifetime and is well worth the small cost.
 
A coronary artery test dives much deeper than the above blood tests. It measures the amount of calcifications actually present in the blood vessels supplies your heart through a non-invasive scan. The higher the number, the higher the plaque burden a person has. 
Heart Health, Cardiac Health

Takeaway

If you’re interested in better understanding your cardiovascular risk, don’t stop at a cholesterol panel. Have your Lp(a) and CAC score for a more accurate assessment. These tools can help tailor prevention strategies, avoiding unnecessary treatments for some, and catching hidden risks in others.

Dr. Erin Rurak, ND

Owner, FCIH 

About Dr. Rurak


Dr. Rurak has been practicing as a Naturopathic Doctor for over a decade, with a background in microbiology, immunology, and research at BC Children’s Hospital. She is a certified Menopause Society Clinician (MSCP) and holds a fellowship with the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology (FABNO), specializing in integrative approaches to menopause and cancer care. As the founder of Full Circle Integrative Health, she is passionate about advancing preventative medicine and mentoring the next generation of practitioners. Outside of her work, she enjoys time with her husband, two children, and their beloved pets—especially her long-haired miniature dachshunds.

Contact Us Today

No matter where you’re starting from, we’re here to guide you toward a healthier, stronger you
Contact Us
CALL US       BOOK ONLINE