Take Charge of Your Heart

February is designated American Heart Month, a time to focus on the most vital organ in our bodies. While heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States - 1 in every 5 deaths - it's important to remember that you are not powerless. Taking proactive steps to optimize your health can significantly reduce your risk and empower you to live a longer, healthier life.

At Wellcore, we believe in a holistic approach to well-being, including balancing hormone levels for heart health. In this article, we'll explore the cardiovascular benefits of hormone therapy while highlighting key lifestyle choices that can make a positive impact.

The Connection Between Hormones & Heart Health

Hormones play an important role in regulating various bodily functions, including those impacting cardiovascular health. As we age, hormonal imbalances can occur, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease. Here's a closer look at some key hormones and their connection to the heart:

• Testosterone: In men, low testosterone levels can lead to symptoms like fatigue, loss of strength, and loss of muscle mass, which can inhibit living an active lifestyle and contribute to poor blood sugar regulation - both of which  can contribute to heart disease. testosterone replacement can improve these factors. For those concerned about the rumors of TRT contributing to the risk of a cardiovascular event, the recent TRAVERSE study has proven that TRT at physiologic doses does not increase the risk of a heart attack, stroke or prostate cancer. In fact, a majority of the studies demonstrate low testosterone is strongly associated with an increased risk of a cardiovascular event and developing prostate cancer.
• Estrogen: In women, estrogen has a protective effect on the heart, so as levels decline during perimenopause and menopause heart health can be compromised. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with bioidentical estrogen (estradiol) can help reduce the risk of heart disease and improve cardiovascular health, as well as alleviate the many other symptoms associated with menopause. Studies tell us that the earlier you start bioidentical hormones after menopause, the lower your risk of a cardiovascular event (heart attack, stroke).
• Thyroid hormones: Proper thyroid function is vital for the normal functioning of organs, tissues, and metabolic processes. Thyroid disorders can affect various aspects of health, including energy levels, weight management, heart rate, and mental well-being - all of these can impact a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Lifestyle Choices for a Healthy Heart

While hormone optimization can play a significant role in some cases, a healthy lifestyle remains the cornerstone of cardiovascular health. Here are some key lifestyle choices you can make:

• Diet: Prioritize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and grassfed beef, organic chicken, and wild caught fish while limiting processed foods, simple carbohydrates (white rice, pasta, white bread, potatoes), unhealthy fats, and excessive sugar (sugar sweetened beverages being a big one). Consider the Mediterranean or DASH diet, specifically designed to support heart health.
• Exercise: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week, along with strength training exercises twice a week.
• Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease.
• Stress Management: Chronic stress can negatively impact heart health. Explore relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
• Sleep: Prioritize 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. If you currently snore, this is likely impacting your sleep quality and overall health. Please consult a sleep specialist for further guidance. 
• Smoking Cessation: Smoking is the biggest and most preventable risk factor for heart disease. Quitting smoking is one of the most significant things you can do for your heart health.
• Regular Checkups: Aside from smoking, uncontrolled high blood pressure is the second biggest and most preventable risk factor for heart disease. Schedule regular checkups with your doctor to monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol, and other key health indicators. Better yet, buy an automatic home blood pressure cuff and monitor it yourself. It is as important as knowing your heart rate, step count, body weight or any other health metric you follow.

If you have questions about hormone optimization and its potential impact on your heart health, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our qualified healthcare professionals. They can provide personalized guidance and help you create a comprehensive plan to take charge of your heart health and live a vibrant, fulfilling life.

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