Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in the U.S. Over 40 million men and women suffer with symptoms of heart disease. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), about 345,000 women in the United States suffer a new or recurrent heart attack each year.

The following traditional risk factors account for only 50-60% of disease incidence:

1. Elevated serum lipids (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL, triglycerides)
2. Hypertension
3. Diabetes
4. Cigarette smoking
5. Physical inactivity
6. Obesity
7. Family history of premature CAD (coronary artery disease)
8. Male gender

Besides these important standard markers, there are new independent risk factors that can double or even triple your risk of heart attack or stroke:

1. C-reactive protein (CRP)
2. Homocysteine
3. Lipoproteins
4. Fibrinogen

At Family Tree Medical Center, we make a comprehensive health assessment that looks at all of the known risk factors which include utilizing comprehensive cardiovascular risk profile testing. The profile usually includes: CRP, antioxidant activity, LDL oxidation, lipids and lipoproteins, Apo A-1, Apo B, Apo A-1:Apo B ratio, VLDL, homocysteine, and nutrient deficiency identification for folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. The nature of this testing includes checking for dietary micronutrient deficiencies and their biochemical pathways that may increase CVD risk factors and may cover the remaining 40-50% of CVD incidence.

Dr. Miller is a medically trained naturopathic doctor who specializes in natural medicine and is uniquely qualified to combine the latest medical science with the use of less toxic, non-invasive therapies that support the body's ability to heal itself..

If you are concerned about your cardiovascular risk and would like your health risk assessed, contact us at (415) 785-3347 to schedule an appointment.