Cardiovascular disease refers to any condition that affects the health of the heart, blood vessels and blood circulation. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can help with the management and prevention of some commonly occurring cardiovascular conditions and risk factors including:
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- High cholesterol
- Atherosclerosis
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Peripheral Vascular Disease
- Metabolic Syndrome
Nutrition and lifestyle choices can significantly contribute to cardiovascular disease risk and progression. Increased lifestyle risk factors include lack of regular exercise, poor stress management and a history of cigarette smoking. Poor dietary choices include the intake of high amounts of sugar, unhealthy fats, processed foods, excess sodium, lack of dietary fiber and frequent stimulant intake (such as caffeine and alcohol). Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can offer clinical nutrition and lifestyle management techniques to make lasting changes in your health.
Assessment of Cardiovascular disease risk involves a complete medical intake, including family history and personal lifestyle habits. Bloodwork should include the following which may be done through your Medical Doctor or requisitioned at the clinic:
- Lipid panel including: Total Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, TG
- Homocysteine
- C-Reactive Protein
- Fasting Glucose
- Additional testing may include liver enzymes, kidney function, electroytes or other specific testing depending on individual concerns.
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can offer integrative treatment of many cardiovascular conditions. Treatment focuses on lifestyle and nutritional modifications. Herbal medicine and vitamin/minerals may be recommended on an individual case basis. Treatment may be used in conjunction with management and treatment through your MD.