Cardiovascular Function

Background: What Is Cardiovascular Dysfunction?

Cardiovascular dysfunction refers to any impairment in the structure or function of the heart and blood vessels. These impairments can manifest as:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
  
• Hypertension
  
• Congestive heart failure
  
• Arrhythmias
  
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
  
• Cerebrovascular disease (e.g., stroke or TIA)

   

Underlying these conditions are often modifiable risk factors such as chronic inflammation, lipid imbalances, glucose dysregulation, and poor lifestyle habits. Functional medicine aims to identify these contributors early and implement individualized interventions to restore balance and improve outcomes.

Symptoms: Recognizing Cardiovascular Dysfunction

Symptoms of cardiovascular dysfunction can include:

• Chest pain or discomfort (angina)
  
• Shortness of breath
  
• Palpitations or irregular heartbeat
  
• Fatigue or reduced exercise tolerance
  
• Edema (leg swelling)
  
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
  
• Cold extremities or delayed capillary refill

   

These symptoms merit a thorough evaluation, especially in patients with known risk factors.

Diagnostic Evaluation: Biomarkers and Cardiovascular Assessment

A comprehensive cardiovascular assessment combines clinical history, biomarkers, and imaging.

1. Physical Examination and History:

• • Blood pressure and heart rate checks
  • Cardiac auscultation
  • Pulse evaluation
  • Review of sleep, stress, diet, and family history

2. Core Biomarker Panel:

• • Total Cholesterol
  • HDL Cholesterol
  • LDL Cholesterol
  • Triglycerides
  • Hemoglobin A1c
  • High-Sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP)
  • Ferritin
  • Homocysteine
  • Vitamin D (25-OH)
  • Fibrinogen
  • LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase)
  • AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)

This broad biomarker evaluation allows early detection of vascular inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and lipid abnormalities.

Additional Testing:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG)
• Echocardiogram
• Stress testing
• Carotid Doppler or coronary calcium scoring
• Cardiac catheterization for complex cases

Contributing Factors and Root Causes

Functional medicine identifies both modifiable and non-modifiable contributors:

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors:

• Age
  
• Family history
  
• Gender
  
• Ethnicity
  
  

Modifiable Risk Factors:

• Sedentary lifestyle
  
• Smoking
  
• Poor diet high in refined carbohydrates and saturated fats
  
• Chronic stress
  
• Obesity
  
• Metabolic syndrome
  
• Insulin resistance
  
• Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress
  
  

Hormonal imbalances such as low testosterone, hypothyroidism, or vitamin D deficiency also influence cardiovascular risk.

Drug Influences and Interfering Factors

Medications can impact cardiovascular markers:

• Statins: Lower LDL, may slightly raise blood glucose
  
• Beta-blockers: Lower heart rate, affect glucose
  
• ACE inhibitors: Blood pressure control, endothelial protection
  
• Diuretics: Electrolyte shifts and glucose changes
  
• NSAIDs: May elevate blood pressure
  
  

Fasting status, illness, dehydration, and exercise timing must also be factored when interpreting lab results.

Functional Medicine Approach to Cardiovascular Health

At Intercoastal Health, our cardiovascular strategy focuses on prevention, early intervention, and root-cause resolution.

Therapeutic Strategies Include:

1. Nutritional Interventions:
   Emphasize Mediterranean or anti-inflammatory diets rich in fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3s.
   
2. Physical Activity:
   Moderate aerobic and resistance exercise to improve glucose uptake and vascular tone.
   
3. Stress and Sleep Optimization:
   Stress management techniques and consistent sleep hygiene to support autonomic balance.
   
4. Targeted Supplementation (if indicated):
   Coenzyme Q10, magnesium, vitamin D, omega-3s, berberine, alpha-lipoic acid, nitric oxide support.
   
5. Hormonal Optimization:
   Addressing testosterone, thyroid, adrenal function to enhance metabolic resilience.
6. Ongoing Monitoring:
   Lipid panels, inflammatory markers, glycemic control, hormonal status reassessed regularly.

Conclusion

Cardiovascular function is influenced by far more than cholesterol levels alone. Functional medicine evaluates the heart and vascular system in the broader context of metabolic health, inflammation, nutrient status, and lifestyle patterns. Early identification of dysfunction through advanced biomarker testing allows for proactive, individualized care.

In conclusion, a comprehensive evaluation by a functional medicine nurse practitioner in Florida facilitates identification of cellular-level and molecular imbalances driving cardiovascular dysfunction. By integrating evidence-based therapies with sports injury management and longevity medicine services—where vascular and systemic resilience are critically linked—we offer patients a regenerative, preventive framework to rebuild resilience and optimize heart health. Call 904-799-2531 or schedule online to request your personalized cardiovascular evaluation.

Further Reading

• Early Cardiovascular Risk Detection Through Functional Biomarkers
  
• Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets
  
• Impact of Lifestyle Interventions on Cardiovascular Risk Factors
  
• Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Cardiovascular Health
  
• Insulin Resistance and Cardiovascular Risk: A Comprehensive Review