Cardiovascular Health

Why the Mediterranean Diet is the Best Diet on the Planet

By Steven Masley, MD, Contributing Writer

Mediterranean countries have some of the longest life spans on the planet. Despite their high rates of tobacco use, and they have lower rates of heart disease, memory loss, cancer, and obesity. Physician-Author Steven Masley set out on a 7-month journey to discover how cuisine and culture converge to engender health across this diverse region. 

Gut Microbiome Study Reveals New Forms of Hypertension & Depression

By Kristen Schepker, Assistant Editor

A new study reveals previously unidentified connections between the intestinal microbiome and markers of cardiovascular and mental health. Researchers at the University of Florida discovered unique gut bacteria patterns in patients with high blood pressure, depression, and a combination of the two conditions.

Can Probiotics Regulate Lipid Metabolism?

By Carrie Decker, ND, Contributing Writer

There’s ample data to show that gut bacteria affect mood, immune system health, sleep cycles, and response to stress. It turns out that the gut microbiome—at least certain microbial species within it—also play a role in lipid metabolism, suggesting that some types of probiotics may have heart health benefits.

Is Leaky Gut a Cardiovascular Risk Factor?

By Becky Wright, Contributing Writer

Leaky gut syndrome has been getting a lot of attention during the last several years for its role in the etiology of chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS) and even diabetes. A new line of research suggests that intestinal permeability may contribute to cardiovascular risk. The key? Gut bacteria and bacterial endotoxins that enter the blood stream and inflitrate the epicardium, the vascular endothelium, and atheromatous plaques present in the vessels.

Choline, Carnitine & the Heart: Is TMAO Really a Risk Factor?

By Russell Jaffe, MD, Contributing Writer

Recently, I was asked if I had any concerns about elevated levels of TMAO—trimethylamine N-oxide–with a diet high in eggs. This is a reasonable question given that elevated TMAO levels have been linked to increased cardiovascular disease and stroke. As with most physiologic functions, however, the answer is nuanced and highly individualized. It’s not a simple “good or bad” subject.

To Reduce Age-Related Heart Risk, Target the Mitochondria

By August West, Contributing Writer

It’s an unfortunate fact of nature: mitochondrial function tends to decline with age. Along with that comes a host of physiological changes that cumulatively result in the phenomenon we all experience as aging and senescence. Fortunately, a new form of mitochondrially-targeted co-enzyme Q10 can reverse some of these changes. 

Is Galectin-3 Inhibition a Key to Reducing Heart Failure?

By Isaac Eliaz, MD, LAc, Contributing Writer

A fast-growing body of data points to galectin-3 (Gal-3) — an adhesive cell surface protein—as a potential therapeutic target for reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Modified Citrus Pectin, a natural substance derived from citrus fruit peels, is the only known natural compound that can bind Gal-3, potentially reducing CVD risk.

Two Landmark Studies Shed New Light–and Shadow– on Omega-3s for CVD

By William H. Harris, PhD, Contributing Writer

Two pivotal studies on omega-3s —the long awaited REDUCE-IT and VITAL trials, attempt to clarify the clinical roles of omega-3s for cardiovascular risk reduction. While many of the mainstream headlines took a negative view of the findings, the data actually show some meaningful benefits from omega-3s. Dr. Bill Harris, developer of the Omega-3 Index test, weighs in on the negative and positive messags of these important studies.