Michelle Routhenstein, MS, RD, CDCES, CDN’s Post

“Don’t take Statins!” It’s a medication which is dished out fairly frequently but one which many patients fear taking due to reports of various side effects. I believe we should all take proactive steps to look after our health so here is some information about what can be done to increase longevity and your health span. Some doctors suggest that starting statins earlier in life could help prevent the development of atherosclerosis (the buildup of plaques in the arteries) over time. Atherosclerosis often begins in childhood and progresses silently, leading to cardiovascular disease in later years. By lowering LDL cholesterol levels early, statins could potentially slow or prevent the progression of this process. Unfortunately if you have a routine check up with your GP they are likely to do a risk score to see your chances of having a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years. (Called a QRisk score). If this is above 10% they will likely suggest a statin. If it’s less than a 10% risk then often nothing will be done. Now, if there was a risk score of having lung cancer in the next 10 years if you were a smoker and your score came back below 10% its unlikely the doctor was say “carry on smoking” and we will recheck your score in another 5 years… But this is exactly what often happens with the QRisk score. So why might statins actually be a good thing to increase your health span? The rationale behind considering statins more broadly is based on the understanding that lower lifetime exposure to high LDL cholesterol is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events. This is supported by observational data and clinical trials indicating that the earlier cholesterol levels are managed, the better the long-term cardiovascular outcomes. This is kind of similar to the reason so many young people get botox – its not because they already have wrinkles, but its to reduce muscle movement, therefore it will take longer for the wrinkles to finally occur when they are older. The key point is that you should get a routine health check by your medical provider to see if your cholesterol is elevated and then have a discussion with the doctor to see what action may be best for you. The majority of the time a health lifestyle is all that is required, but if your doctor is not forward thinking, you may be told your QRisk score is fine, so carry on doing what you want… and we’ll start treating you once you become ill. At Prestige Private Health Ltd we offer these full health checks for all our clients, then come up with a tailor made plan going forward, to ensure a long healthy future. Has your doctor ever discussed the Qrisk score with you? #CardiovascularHealth #PrivateGP #Longevity #Healthspan #PreventativeMedicine

In this study of 83239 patients with constipation (including people who were prescribed laxatives) were matched with 832,384 controls without constipation to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease in individuals with constipation.   It showed that constipation was associated with 2x risk of venous thromboembolism, 24% heart attack, 50% ischemic stroke, 34% increased risk of peripheral artery disease, 27% increase risk of Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) or atrial flutter and 52% risk of heart failure.    Why may this be? Some proposed mechanisms:    1️⃣ Constipation, aka decreased gut motility may cause inflammation in the gut impairing gut health, which negatively impacts heart health and function. This may also contribute to stiffening in the arteries.  2️⃣ Chronic constipation may lead to straining at stools, which can also be associated with transient increases in blood pressure, and stiffness in the arteries putting extra pressure on the heart to function properly. 3️⃣ Constipation is associated with a dysbiosis in the gut microbiome. When gut health is impaired, the gut bacteria may not be able to create the positive metabolites from food to contribute to optimal heart health. 4️⃣ We also know if we are not eliminating properly, we aren’t effectively getting rid of LDL cholesterol which can cause more plaque to form in the arteries.   ⚠️ Don’t ignore constipation and if you are relying on laxative use to go, I would seek further assistance from a qualified health professional.   I talk about bowel health with all my clients because of its importance with optimal cardiovascular health. In the first 90 minute comprehensive evaluation session, many of my clients may say “I am regular,” but when they start paying attention to their bowel movements and as we work together to improve elimination, they admit “I wasn’t regular at all, now I know what a perfect bowel movement should be!” Aim for a type 4 on the bristol stool chart, with a little bit more volume.    👉🏼 Sign up to my email list, here (https://lnkd.in/eAEbtf_E) or on my website (entirelynourished.com), for more heart disease prevention tips.   Study reference: https://lnkd.in/e-9DymAM #diverticiulitis #diverticiulosis #diverticulitisdiet #diverticulardisease #diverticulitisrecovery #constipation #constipationrelief #heartdisease #heartattack #myocardialinfarction #heartattacksurvivor #heartdiseaseprevention #heartattackprevention #calciumscan #atherosclerosis #inflammation #inflammationrelief #antiinflammatorydiet #hearthealthydiet #heartdiseaseawareness #highbloodpressure #insulinresistancediet #insulinresistance #hearthealth #highcholesterol #cardiovascularhealth #cardiacrehab #cardiacbypass #cardiachealth #lowerbloodpressure

💊💉🩺Statins: Does it help in Lowering Cholesterol and Reducing Cardiovascular Risk? As a pharmacist, we see many patients who are concerned about their cholesterol levels and their risk of heart disease. Statins are one of the most effective medications we have to help manage cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes. Here's what we want to share from our experience: Statins are highly effective: Studies show they can reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol by up to 40%, significantly reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. This is especially important for people with high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease. Statins are generally safe: While some people experience muscle aches, these are usually mild and go away on their own. There are also ways to manage them, like starting with a lower dose or trying a different type of statin. Don't stop taking your statin without talking to your doctor: Even if you experience side effects, there may be solutions. Stopping your statin can increase your risk of a heart attack. Here are some additional things to consider: ⚫Talk to your doctor about potential interactions with other medications you're taking. ⚫If muscle aches are a concern, discuss trying a hydrophilic statin, which may cause fewer side effects. ⚫We can explore alternative treatment options if statins aren't right for you. Remember, statins are a powerful tool in reducing heart disease risk. By working together with your doctor and pharmacist, you can find a safe and effective way to manage your cholesterol and protect your heart health. This post is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with your doctor about the best course of treatment for you. Let's connect! We’re passionate about helping seniors thrive, and we believe pharmacists play a vital role in their well-being. Let's discuss how we can support your medication needs. TIB Pharmacy T: (510)-573-0064 A: 5886 Mowry School Rd, Newark CA, 94560 #LongTermCare #MedicationManagement #BetterHealth #Teamwork #TIBPharmacy #NewarkPharmacy #pharmacyservices #longtermcare #LTCPharmacy #HospicePharmacy #EndOfLifeCare #hospicespecialized #ltcspecialized #ltcathome #enteraltherapy #MedicationManagement #PackagingPower #SimplifyYourHealth https://lnkd.in/e8vwk_qU

CLIENT SUCCESS STORY: A 55 year old woman came to see me because she had a recent increase in her statin medication and she was anxious given her family history of heart disease and her medical conditions. She had a coronary calcium score test of 194, which was 98th percentile for age, ethnicity and gender, indicating a significant amount of plaque in her coronary arteries.    She had joined my 6 week heart optimization group program in March and then joined my VIP one on one Program in May. She had her blood tested before the start of the group program and then in July, two months into the VIP program.

 We worked together to a) optimize her risk profile by focusing on what we are ADDINg to her diet and in the right balance and volume for effective results, b) understand plaque formation to prevent further promotion of plaque and to assist with its stabilization c) how to implement these heart health optimization strategies into her busy and fast paced lifestyle.    In 4 months, she lowered her LDL by 55 points (from 87mg/dL to 32mg/dL) and the doctor reduced the dosage of her statin medication. She reduced her triglycerides (TG) levels by 50 points (144mg/dL to 94mg/dL) increased her HDL (from 40mg/dL to 58mg/dL), lowered hsCRP from 3.2mg/dL to 0.7mg/dL, and reduced her waist circumference by 2 inches. The best part is she has more energy, and she feels better in all aspects of her health!  ⭐️ From triglycerides to blood sugar to LDL to apoB to HDL to inflammatory markers like hsCRP - ALL of these cardiometabolic labs matter -  and we can optimize them through science based nutrition to help reduce your risk of cardiovascular events!   ⭐️ Join my upcoming 6-week heart optimization group program starting July 12th. I will teach you how to implement science-based nutrition to address inflammation, insulin resistance, abnormal lipids, oxidative stress, and optimize your cardiovascular health to reduce your risk of a heart attack. ⭐️ The group has limited spots available! 👉🏼 To secure your spot, join today: https://lnkd.in/ecCQWHrQ ❤️I look forward to supporting you on your heart health journey! #coronaryarterydisease #coronaryheartdisease #coronaryangiography #coronarycalciumscore #heartattack #heartattacksurvivor #heartattackprevention #heartattackrecovery #hearthealth #hearthealthy #hearthealthydiet #hearthealthawareness #hearthealthyliving #highcalciumscore #hearthealthyrecipes #heartdisease #heartdiseaseawareness #heartdiseaseprevention #heartdiseasesurvivor #heartdiseasewarrior #heartdiseasesupport #highcholesterol #cardiacbypasssurgery #cardiacrehab #cardiacsurgery #cardiacdiet #heartfailureawareness #heartfailure #heartfailuresurvivor #heartfailurediet

The Importance of Monitoring #TG and #HDL Alongside #TC with #Sejoy #Lipid #Meters In cardiovascular health, monitoring lipid levels is crucial for preventing heart disease and managing conditions. While Total Cholesterol (TC) is common, tracking #Triglycerides (TG) and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is equally important. This post highlights the significance of monitoring TG and HDL and showcases how our portable lipid meters provide comprehensive lipid profiles, including the calculation of #Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and TC/HDL ratios. 📣 The Role of TG and HDL in Cardiovascular Health ➡ Triglycerides (TG): Elevated TG levels are a risk factor for atherosclerosis, leading to heart attacks and strokes. High TG levels are often associated with metabolic syndrome, which includes obesity, hypertension, and insulin resistance. Monitoring TG helps identify these risks early. ➡ High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): HDL is "good" cholesterol that helps remove other cholesterol forms from the bloodstream. Higher HDL levels are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Monitoring HDL provides insight into protective factors against cardiovascular conditions. 📣 Comprehensive Lipid Monitoring with Sejoy Lipid Meters Our portable lipid meters measure TC, TG, and HDL levels and calculate LDL and the TC/HDL ratio, offering a complete lipid profile: ✅ Holistic Health Assessment: Monitoring TG, HDL, and TC helps understand overall lipid metabolism and identify specific areas needing attention. This supports more personalized and effective treatment plans. ✅ Risk Stratification: Calculating LDL and the TC/HDL ratio helps stratify patients based on cardiovascular risk. These ratios are strong predictors of heart disease (PubMed, 2022). ✅ Proactive Health Management: Regular monitoring of these lipid parameters enables early detection of abnormalities, facilitating timely interventions to prevent serious conditions. 📣 Supporting Data and Insights According to Grand View Research, the global market for lipid monitoring devices is expanding, driven by increasing awareness of cardiovascular diseases and the benefits of regular lipid monitoring. Studies published in PubMed emphasize the critical role of comprehensive lipid profiling in preventing heart disease. 📣 Conclusion Our lipid meters provide a thorough lipid profile by measuring TG, HDL, and TC, and calculating LDL and TC/HDL ratios. This comprehensive monitoring capability is crucial for effective cardiovascular health management. By leveraging advanced biosensor technology, our devices offer accuracy and convenience, empowering patients and healthcare providers. If you are interested in learning more about our products and how they can enhance your health monitoring regimen, please contact us. Let’s work together towards better #cardiovascular #health through comprehensive #lipid #monitoring.

🌟 Breakthrough in Glycemic Control with Semaglutide! 🌟 Recent findings from the SELECT trial reveal that Semaglutide not only aids weight loss but also significantly impacts glycemic control in individuals with overweight/obesity and cardiovascular disease, but without diabetes. Let's delve into this exciting development and discuss how it can change the management of glycemia! Interactive Questions: Question 1: Q: How does weight management affect glycemic control? A: Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments! 🌿⚖️ Question 2: Q: What are some challenges you face in managing cardiovascular health alongside weight? A: Let's discuss strategies and support each other! ❤️ Case Studies: Case Study 1: Scenario: Sarah, a 50-year-old woman with cardiovascular disease and a BMI of 32, started semaglutide treatment. After one year, she not only lost weight but also showed significant improvement in her blood sugar levels, progressing to normoglycemia. Question: What do you think contributed most to Sarah's positive outcomes? Case Study 2: Scenario: Michael, a 60-year-old man, was hesitant to start semaglutide despite his doctor’s recommendation due to concerns about side effects. However, after seeing his friend’s success with the medication, he decided to try it. After six months, Michael noticed a regression to normoglycemia and an improvement in his cardiovascular health. Question: How can peer support and shared experiences influence health decisions? Call to Action Steps: Consult Your Doctor: Discuss with your healthcare provider if semaglutide could be an option for you. 🩺 Monitor Your Health: Regularly check your blood sugar levels and cardiovascular health metrics. 📊 Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: Combine medication with a balanced diet and regular exercise for optimal results. 🥗🏋️♀️ Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest research and advancements in treatments for obesity and cardiovascular disease. 📚 Interactive Poll: Poll: What is your primary goal in managing your health? Weight Loss ⚖️ Improved Blood Sugar Levels 📉 Better Cardiovascular Health ❤️ Overall Well-being 🌟 Vote now and see what others are focusing on in their health journey! Join the discussion and learn how semaglutide could be a game-changer in managing glycemia for those with overweight/obesity and cardiovascular disease. Your insights and experiences can inspire and support others! #Semaglutide #GlycemicControl #CardiovascularHealth #WeightManagement #HealthBreakthrough #SELECTTrial #PatientEmpowerment #DiabetesPrevention #HealthyLiving

🌟 Unveiling Ezetimibe: Elevating Cardiovascular Wellness! 🌟 Discover the transformative impact of Ezetimibe on heart health! What is Ezetimibe? Ezetimibe, a potent medication in the realm of cardiovascular care, is designed to lower cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. Classified under cholesterol-lowering medications, it operates by inhibiting cholesterol absorption in the intestine. When complemented with a low cholesterol/low-fat diet and regular exercise, Ezetimibe plays a crucial role in reducing cholesterol levels. It can be used independently or in conjunction with other medications like statins or fibrates, and is available exclusively by prescription in tablet form. Recent Developments 🚀 Combination Therapy: Recent national guidelines advocate for the addition of Ezetimibe to statin regimens, showcasing its potential for a more significant reduction in cholesterol compared to doubling statin doses. 💰 Improved Affordability: Exciting news on the pricing front! Ezetimibe now boasts new and/or enhanced pricing, applicable to prescriptions processed for the dispensing month of December 2023. 🌡️ Side Effect Profile: While Ezetimibe may cause mild and temporary side effects, such as digestion issues, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and increased flatulence, the majority are transient. If taken with a statin, common side effects may include muscle pain, headaches, and modestly elevated liver enzymes. ⏳ Treatment Duration: Ezetimibe therapy is typically a lifelong commitment to sustained cardiovascular health. 🌈 Anticancer Potential: Beyond cholesterol management, Ezetimibe reveals promising anti-cancer attributes, acting through anti-angiogenesis, anti-inflammation, and immune system enhancement. Stay Ahead with Entvin AI Entvin platform configured over 500 pharmaceutical entities for Ezetimibe. Click here to download the pdf file - https://bit.ly/3tQ1ODT #pharmaceuticals #ezetimibe

If you get a health checkup ONLY when the doctor prescribes it, then you are making a grave mistake! Every year, thousands of people die because they are not vigilant about their health. If you don't want to end up in a hospital bed with a sudden heart attack, undetected diabetes, or any other life-threatening disease, then this post is for you. Brace yourself; it’s going to be a long one. Here are the tests you need to get done annually: 📌 Insulin Test: This test checks your insulin levels in the blood, helping identify diabetes or other issues related to insulin. 📌 Cortisol Test: It examines cortisol, a hormone from your adrenal glands, and is useful for detecting problems like Cushing's syndrome and Addison's disease. 📌 LDL Particle Size: This one assesses the size of your LDL cholesterol particles, giving you insight into your risk of heart disease. 📌 C-reactive Protein: This test checks for C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation, and is useful for diagnosing and monitoring inflammatory issues like arthritis and lupus. 📌 Lipoprotein Test: This test examines lipoproteins, the particles that transport fats in your blood, helping to assess your risk of heart disease. 📌 Homocysteine Test: This measures homocysteine, an amino acid that can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke if it's too high. 📌 Antinuclear Antibodies Test: It’s for checking for antinuclear antibodies, which are indicative of autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. 📌 Mammography for women: Mammograms are like a breast X-ray checkup. It's recommended to get one every 1 to 2 years after you turn 50. It is often done alongside a clinical breast exam. 📌 Apolipoprotein B Test: This test assesses the level of apolipoprotein B, a component of LDL particles, providing information about your risk of heart disease. 📌 Omega-3 Index Test: This test evaluates the level of omega-3 fatty acids in your blood, which can provide insights into your risk of heart disease. 📌 DHEA-Sulfate Test: This test measures the level of DHEA-sulfate, a hormone produced by your adrenal glands, offering information about how your adrenals are functioning. 📌 Thyroid Antibodies Test: This test looks for antibodies that attack your thyroid gland, which can occur in autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's thyroiditis. 📌 Check for Key Nutrients: Blood tests to assess the levels of essential nutrients like iron, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and magnesium are crucial. Your body requires these for optimal performance. Remember, prevention is ALWAYS better than cure. How often do you get a health check-up done? #HealthCheckup #StayHealthy #TheSportsOrtho

To reduce long-term harm and expenses one can choose at least yearly checkups.

hello friends, Today we discuss about stroke- #stroke is a medical condition that occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. This lack of blood flow can cause brain cells to die within minutes. *Strokes can be classified into two main types: (1) Ischemic Stroke: This type of stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks or narrows an artery leading to the brain. It accounts for about 87% of all strokes.  -:Ischemic strokes can be further divided into thrombotic strokes and and embolic strokes. (2) Hemorrhagic Stroke: This type occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts or leaks. This causes bleeding (hemorrhage) in or around the brain, leading to swelling and increased pressure on brain tissue. #common causes of stroke-: (1) Excessive Alcohol Consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke. (2) High Cholesterol: Elevated levels of cholesterol and unhealthy fats in the blood can lead to atherosclerosis, narrowing the arteries and increasing the risk of ischemic stroke. (3) Smoking: Tobacco use increases the risk of stroke by damaging blood vessels, increasing blood clot formation, and raising blood pressure. (4) Diabetes: People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, including strokes, due to factors such as high blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and associated conditions like high blood pressure and atherosclerosis. (5) Heart Disease: Various heart conditions, such as atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat), heart valve defects, and heart attacks, can cause blood clots to form in the heart and travel to the brain, causing ischemic strokes. (6) Atherosclerosis: This condition involves the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in the arteries, narrowing the arteries and increasing the risk of blood clots. Atherosclerosis is a significant cause of ischemic strokes. #prevention from stroke-: (1) Control Blood Pressure: - Follow a low-sodium diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. - Limit alcohol intake and avoid smoking. (2) Manage Diabetes: - Keep your blood sugar levels under control through diet, exercise, and medications if prescribed. - Monitor blood glucose levels as recommended by your healthcare provider. (3) Maintain a Healthy Diet: - Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. - Limit saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium. (4) Quit Smoking: - If you smoke, quit. Seek support from healthcare providers, quit-smoking programs, or support groups. - Avoid exposure to second hand smoke. (5) Limit Alcohol Consumption: - Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all. (6) Manage Stress: - Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to reduce stress. #stroke #disease