Coronary Artery Disease

What Does It Mean?

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a condition characterized by the narrowing or blockage of coronary arteries due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis). This restricts blood flow to the heart, leading to ischemia, increased oxidative stress, and systemic inflammation. Functional medicine approaches CAD by identifying and addressing the root causes of arterial dysfunction, inflammation, and metabolic imbalances.

How Did We Get There?

Root Causes:

• Chronic Inflammation: Persistent low-grade inflammation contributes to endothelial dysfunction and plaque formation.
• Dyslipidemia: Imbalances in lipid markers, including elevated LDL, apoB, and low apoA-1, drive arterial plaque formation.
• Oxidative Stress: Excess free radicals damage blood vessels and accelerate atherosclerosis.
• Metabolic Dysfunction & Insulin Resistance: High insulin levels promote inflammation and lipid imbalances.
• Hypertension: Increased arterial pressure leads to vascular injury and promotes plaque accumulation.
• Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Impaired cellular energy production weakens cardiac function.

Signs & Symptoms:

• Chest pain (angina) or tightness
• Shortness of breath, especially with exertion
• Fatigue and reduced exercise tolerance
• Heart palpitations or arrhythmias
• Elevated blood pressure
• Poor circulation (cold extremities, leg cramps)

Expected Changes in Lab Markers

Lab Test Name	Expected Changes	Optimal Range
Apolipoprotein A-1	Decreased	150.00-210.00 mg/dL
Apolipoprotein B	Increased	52.00-117.0mg/dL
Arachidonic Acid (AA)	Altered	8.6-15.6 µg/mL
AST (SGOT)	Increased	10.00-26.00 IU/L
C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)	Increased	0.00-0.55 mg/L
Cholesterol, Serum	Increased	180.00-220.00 mg/dL
Coenzyme Q10	Decreased	1.0-2.0 µg/mL
HDL Cholesterol	Decreased	55.00-93.00 mg/dL
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)	Decreased	1.2-3.9 µg/mL
Docosapentaenoic acid (DPA)	Decreased	0.8-1.8 µg/mL
Ferritin	Increased	45.00-79.00 ng/mL
Fibrinogen Activity	Increased	175.00-300.00 mg/dL
Homocysteine	Increased	5.00-7.20 µmol/L
Iron, Total	Increased	85.00-130.00 µg/dL
LDL Cholesterol Direct	Increased	80.00-99.99 mg/dL
Lipoprotein A, Lp (A)	Increased	0.00-30.00 mg/dL
Omega-6 : Omega-3 Ratio	Increased	3.7-14.4
Platelet Count	Increased	190.00-300.00 Cells/µL
Triglycerides, Serum	Increased	70.00-80.00 mg/dL
Uric Acid	Increased	3.50-5.40 mg/dL

How Do We Treat It?

Functional Medicine Approach

The treatment protocol aims to reduce inflammation, support vascular health, optimize lipid metabolism, and enhance mitochondrial function.

Supplement Protocol

Supplement	Function	Dosage & Frequency
V-Pax	Comprehensive support for cardiovascular and metabolic health	2  capsules with or without food, daily
Novo Hepatic	Supports liver function and lipid metabolism	1 capsule without food, daily
CoQ-10 300 mg	Enhances mitochondrial ATP production for heart function	2 capsules with food, daily
V-Inflamma	Reduces systemic inflammation and oxidative stress	2 capsules without food, daily
Levo Plasmin	Supports blood circulation and vascular integrity	1 capsule without food, twice daily
Vita-Glutathione	Boosts antioxidant defenses and detoxification	3 capsules with or without food, daily
Vita B Methyl	Supports methylation pathways for homocysteine reduction	1 capsule without food,  daily

Additional Lifestyle Interventions:

• Adopt an Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Increase intake of omega-3s, fiber, and antioxidants while avoiding processed foods and trans fats.
• Improve Lipid Metabolism: Reduce intake of refined sugars and carbohydrates to prevent dyslipidemia.
• Enhance Mitochondrial Function: Engage in regular physical activity and incorporate fasting strategies to improve energy metabolism.
• Manage Stress and Sleep: Optimize cortisol levels through stress-reducing techniques and restorative sleep.
• Support Vascular Health: Engage in moderate aerobic exercise to improve circulation and endothelial function.