Cardiovascular disease takes a lifetime to develop, but can kill in seconds with a stroke or heart attack, often with no warning.  Cardiovascular disease begins in the arteries with deposition of fat that eventually forms atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries.  The resulting plaque can rupture at any time causing a blood clot and stroke or heart attack.  There are not necessarily any symptoms to indicate the seriousness of your cardiovascular health. 

So you need to find out if you are at risk, because the good news is that you can do something about it and it is never too late to start. 

There are three things you need to do:

1)  See your doctor to get a comprehensive blood test - these are the things you need to have tested:

	Triglycerides
	LDL and HDL (not just total cholesterol)
	Lipoprotein (a) - if elevated risk of CV is 70% higher than if normal
	High sensitivity CRP - indicates inflammation
	Homocysteine
	Fibrinogen
	Fasting blood glucose
	Liver function
	Thyroid function

2)  You doctor may find it necessary for you to begin on a prescribed medication or suggest lifestyle changes are enough.  In either case, naturopathic treatment can have a significant impact on reducing your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.  Make an appointment to see Peter Kelly at St George Naturopathic Clinic for a full to assess all aspects of your health that can influence cardiovascular health.   For example:

Blood test results will give a good picture of your cardiovascular risk, and will indicate what areas of your health need attention.  Naturopathic treatment can reduce cholesterol, reduce inflammation, improve blood glucose response, improve liver function, and reduce homocysteine (which can be linked to slightly under-active thyroid).

Waist measurement - above 102 cm for males and above 88cm for females indicates high risk for developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease.  You must reduce your waist measurement - it is more important than what the scales say.  The Ultra Lite Weight Management System is the best way I have found to reduce weight and especially to reduce waist measurement.  It is based on sound nutritional principles.

Diet - your eating habits can have a major impact on cardiovascular health.  Even if you are not overweight, the types of food you eat can affect your cardiovascular risk significantly. 

Hemaview Live Blood Analysis is a well researched scientific method of viewing a magnified image of one drop of blood.  You will be able to see the improvement in your blood cells before and after treatment.

Bio-impedance analysis is a simple electrical device to assess your fat mass, muscle mass and balance of fluids inside and outside cells.  This is an accurate way of monitoring progress not only with fat loss, but other important healt issues such as inflammation.

Blood pressure will be monitored.

3)      Begin some regular and enjoyable exercise, making sure to not start beyond your current level of fitness

These three simple steps could add many healthy years to your life.  It's your choice. Ring Peter Kelly now on 9580 6708