Overview
The heart, blood vessels and metabolism are a powerhouse team that keep a person going every day. But when risks like high blood pressure, diabetes or cholesterol sneak in, that teamwork can falter — quietly setting the stage for heart attacks, strokes or other serious issues. These problems don’t announce themselves loudly at first, which is why catching them early makes all the difference.
That’s where the Cardiometabolic Program steps in. It is not a replacement for a primary doctor or other providers, it is an extra layer of support, working alongside them to keep a closer watch on the patient's health. Going beyond the basics with specialized tools, cutting-edge technology and a personalized approach, the Cardiometabolic Program digs into the details of how the patient's body is doing. From advanced assessments to tailored plans, the program's goal is to spot trouble early and help the patient stay ahead of it — so they can live longer, feel stronger and sidestep the big health scares.
Cardiometabolic Risk Factors are a Big Deal
Cardiometabolic risk factors — like high blood sugar, unhealthy cholesterol, extra weight or creeping blood pressure — are silent troublemakers. Alone, they might not seem like much. Together, they’re a perfect storm, raising the chances of heart disease, diabetes or stroke. Ignoring them isn’t an option, but the good news is: Things can be turned around with the right moves.
Here’s why acting on these risks matters:
- Protects the Heart: High cholesterol or blood pressure can clog or strain arteries. Tackling them early keeps the heart in top shape.
- Boosts Energy: Uncontrolled blood sugar drags the patient down and harms organs over time. Getting it under control keeps one feeling their best.
- Breaks the Cycle: These risks snowball — extra weight can spike blood pressure, which then stresses your heart. Stopping one helps stop them all.
- Stays Ahead: Early action with practical steps can prevent years of struggle — or even save a patient's life.
The Cardiometabolic Program takes a whole-person approach backed by state-of-the-art technology to make this work for each individual patient. This includes:
- Sleep Testing: Poor sleep — like sleep apnea — can worsen blood pressure and metabolism. Monitoring how a patient is resting can catch hidden risks.
- Dietary Analysis: What one eats fuels their health. Clinic experts break down a patient's diet and suggest tweaks that fit their life, not some one-size-fits-all plan.
- Psychological Consult: Stress, anxiety or depression can sabotage the heart and metabolism. The clinic offers support to lighten the load and keep a patient on track.
- Physical Therapy (If Needed): Trouble moving or staying active? A PT evaluation can design a plan to build strength safely, boosting a patient's heart health.
Cardiovascular Assessment Tools
- Electrocardiogram (EKG): Records the heart’s electrical activity to catch irregular rhythms or early signs of strain.
- Echocardiogram (Echo): An ultrasound of the heart to see how it’s pumping and if its structure’s holding up.
- Carotid Study: Checks the neck arteries for plaque buildup, a red flag for stroke risk.
Cutting-Edge Assessments
- Research-Grade Body Composition Scale: Forget basic weight checks — this tracks fat, muscle and water down to the detail, showing how the body’s balance affects risks.
- Dynamometer: Measures muscle strength precisely, helping to spot weaknesses that could impact a patient's metabolism or mobility.
- Liver Health Scan: A quick, non-invasive scan to check a patient's liver for fatty buildup (NAFLD )— a top cause of cirrhosis tied to cardiometabolic issues.
Key Lab Tests
The clinic uses bloodwork to get the full picture. This includes:
- Lipid Panel: Measures cholesterol (LDL, HDL, triglycerides) to assess artery health.
- Fasting Glucose, Insulin, Uric Acid and HbA1c: Tracks blood sugar control, spotting diabetes or pre-diabetes.
- Hs-CRP: Gauges inflammation, a hidden driver of heart disease.
- Kidney Function (Creatinine, eGFR): Checks how a patient's kidneys handle metabolic stress.
- Liver Enzymes (ALT, AST): Flags fatty liver or damage linked to NAFLD. And other additional labs based on the patient's history.