Heart health

Cleerly vs. Coronary Calcium Score: What’s the Difference?

Cleerly vs. Coronary Calcium Score: What’s the Difference?

When we talk about preventing heart disease, cholesterol numbers are only part of the story. Tests such as ApoB, LDL cholesterol, Lp(a), blood pressure, blood sugar, and inflammatory markers can tell us about cardiovascular risk—but sometimes we want to answer a more direct question: Is there actually plaque in the coronary arteries? Two tests you may hear about are a coronary artery calcium (CAC) score and Cleerly coronary plaque analysis. They both look for coronary artery disease, but they provide very different information.

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A Functional Medicine Approach to Heart Health: Beyond Standard Cholesterol Testing

A Functional Medicine Approach to Heart Health: Beyond Standard Cholesterol Testing

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women, yet many standard cholesterol tests miss critical markers that help assess true risk. Traditional testing often focuses on total cholesterol and LDL levels, but functional medicine takes a deeper, more individualized approach to cardiovascular health.

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What are some ideas for a high protein breakfast?

What are some ideas for a high protein breakfast?

Many clients struggle to get the recommended levels of protein in daily…me too. At my house, we know that including healthy fats and protein in each meal, especially breakfast, sets a you up for a better day. This translates into more stable blood sugar, steady energy, stable moods, a sharp mind and feelings of satiety which means less snacking though the day. I know many traditional cereal based breakfasts (including oatmeal) are lacking in protein power. Here is a quick list of protein forward breakfast ideas to bring to the table. Pun intended!

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HRV or Heart Rate Variability

HRV or Heart Rate Variability

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) refers to the variation in time intervals between consecutive heartbeats. It's a measure of the flexibility and adaptability of the cardiovascular system, reflecting the balance between the sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) branches of the autonomic nervous system. Higher HRV typically indicates a greater ability to respond to stressors.

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