Check for Mold and Bacteria to Protect Your Heart

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Hand of a researcher showing a close-up of a microbiological culture plate with mold and bacteria

At Natural Heart Doctor, we believe in uncovering the root causes of disease rather than simply treating symptoms. One of the often-overlooked factors contributing to heart disease is mold and bacteria exposure. Mold toxicity can wreak havoc on the body, triggering systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune dysfunction, all of which can negatively impact cardiovascular health. That’s why we strongly recommend the #8 swiffer test as a reliable method for assessing mold exposure and its potential role in heart disease. It includes an assessment of mold (ERMI) and bacteria. 

What Is the ERMI Test?

ERMI (Environmental Relative Moldiness Index) is a highly advanced method for evaluating indoor mold contamination. Developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the ERMI test uses DNA-based analysis to detect and quantify 36 different mold species commonly found in water-damaged buildings. Unlike traditional air sampling, which only captures a snapshot of airborne mold spores at a given time, ERMI provides a more comprehensive picture of mold contamination by analyzing settled dust collected from a home or office environment.

How Does Mold Affect the Heart?

Mold exposure has been linked to numerous health concerns, including respiratory issues, neurological symptoms, and immune dysfunction. But its impact on cardiovascular health is particularly alarming. Here’s how mold can contribute to heart disease:

  • Inflammation: Mold toxins, known as mycotoxins, trigger chronic inflammation, which is a key driver of heart disease, high blood pressure, and arterial plaque formation.
  • Oxidative Stress: Mycotoxins and mold-related immune responses generate oxidative stress, damaging blood vessels and increasing the risk of hypertension and atherosclerosis.
  • Autonomic Nervous System Dysfunction: Mold exposure can disrupt the autonomic nervous system, leading to irregular heart rhythms, palpitations, and blood pressure dysregulation.
  • Mitochondrial Damage: The mitochondria, which are responsible for energy production in cells, are highly sensitive to environmental toxins. Mold exposure can impair mitochondrial function, leading to chronic fatigue and decreased cardiac efficiency.
  • Immune Dysregulation: Chronic mold exposure weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and autoimmune conditions, which can contribute to systemic inflammation and vascular disease.

Why We Recommend the ERMI Test

At Natural Heart Doctor, we prioritize proactive and preventative care. If you or a loved one are struggling with unexplained cardiovascular symptoms—such as high blood pressure, arrhythmias, or chronic inflammation—the ERMI test is an essential tool to determine whether mold exposure is playing a role in your health challenges. Here’s why we trust and recommend this test:

  1. High Sensitivity and Accuracy – ERMI uses advanced DNA technology to detect even small amounts of mold contamination that traditional tests might miss.
  2. Comprehensive Mold Profile – The test identifies 36 mold species, including both water damage-related molds and common indoor molds.
  3. Easy and Non-Invasive – The ERMI test requires a simple dust sample from your home, making it convenient and non-intrusive.
  4. Objective Data for Actionable Insights – With the results of the ERMI test, we can create a personalized plan to remediate mold exposure, support detoxification, and improve your cardiovascular health.

Bacteria Too

In addition to mold, water damage can lead to bacterial growth. This bacteria may be just as dangerous as mold. The bacteria contain endotoxins and exotoxins that are proven to lead to health problems. We can for both mold and bacteria with THIS at home test.

Taking Action Against Mold and Bacteria for a Healthy Heart

If your ERMI test results indicate significant mold exposure, the next steps involve mold remediation, detoxification, and supporting overall health. At Natural Heart Doctor, we guide our patients through a comprehensive approach, including:

  • Mold Remediation Strategies – Addressing the source of mold in your home to prevent ongoing exposure.
  • Detoxification Support – Using nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle strategies to help the body clear mycotoxins.
  • Cardiovascular Protection – Implementing targeted therapies to reduce inflammation, improve mitochondrial function, and restore vascular health.

Conclusion

Mold and bacteria are invisible but powerful threats to heart health. The ERMI test is an invaluable tool in identifying hidden mold exposure that may be driving inflammation and cardiovascular disease. If you have unexplained heart symptoms or live in a water-damaged home, consider testing for mold/bacteria to uncover a potential root cause of your health concerns. At Natural Heart Doctor, we are here to help you on your journey to a mold-free, heart-healthy life. Purchase your home test here. 

Take control of your environment and your heart health—schedule an ERMI / Bacteria test today!

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About Dr. Keith Smigiel NP, DC

Dr. Keith Smigiel

Dr. Keith Smigiel is a regenerative medicine physician and pain management specialist. He takes an integrative approach to medicine, focusing on customized solutions tailored to individual needs. Using advanced, non-surgical treatments, Dr. Smigiel stimulates your body’s ability to naturally heal itself.

Dr. Smigiel helps people suffering from conditions such as chronic pain and erectile dysfunction, to hair loss and weight gain. Combining treatments such as PRP Therapy, Ozone, Neural Prolotherapy, and IV Infusions with functional rehabilitation, he helps you look and feel better.

He heals the body, instead of just treating the symptoms!

With his professional qualifications as a certified family nurse practitioner, a doctor of chiropractic, and a fellow of the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture, Dr. Smigiel offers patients comprehensive care from a broad perspective of conventional and alternative medicine. He also has extensive experience in functional rehabilitation and chronic pain management.

Dr. Smigiel is married to Angela and has two children, Sophia and Larz. When he’s not busy helping patients, he enjoys hiking, mountain biking, motocross, and boating.

About Dr. Lauren Lattanza NMD, FACC

Dr. Lattanza Office Visit with Patient

As a Naturopathic Physician, I am trained to treat the whole person and get to the root cause of disease.

I went to Arizona State University where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a depth in physiology and minor in Spanish. After my undergraduate degree I was working on prerequisite classes towards medical school, which is when I came to learn that my values identified best with the principles of naturopathic medicine. I knew that I wanted to help patients identify the causes of disease and be able to offer treatments which would improve their health rather than simply treating symptoms.

I dedicated the next 4 years to the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona where I attained my Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine. I served as Class President all 4 years, Board of Trustees – Student Trustee, spoke as the Club President for our branch of Toastmasters, and was voted by my peers and attending physicians to earn the Outstanding Leadership Award for the Class of 2020. Throughout medical school I took it upon myself to work alongside MDs, DOs, chiropractors, and functional medicine practitioners in addition to naturopathic physicians.

As a Spanish speaking student, I was able to volunteer with community clinics around Phoenix and provide free healthcare to low-income families. Due to this combined exposure, I came to find my passion in treating cardiometabolic and digestive disorders that are all too common, yet largely preventable. I took the opportunity to learn the broad spectrum of healthcare so I can ensure that I am able to provide my patients with the best options.

About Dr. Jack Wolfson DO, FACC

Dr. Wolfson Office Visit with Patient

Dr. Jack Wolfson is a cardiologist, Amazon best-selling author, husband, father, and the nation’s #1 Natural Heart Doctor.

For more than two decades, more than one million people have enjoyed the warmth, compassion, and transformational power of his natural heart health courses and events.

Dr. Wolfson is the founder of Natural Heart Doctor Scottsdale, his heart health practice in Arizona, and Natural Heart Doctor, an online resource center with natural health information. Doctors from across the globe reach out to Dr. Wolfson for training and education in holistic health practices.

He has been named one of America’s Top Functional Medicine Doctors and is a five-time winner of the Natural Choice Awards as a holistic M.D. Dr. Wolfson’s work has been covered by more than 100 media outlets, including NBC, CNN, and the Washington Post. His book “The Paleo Cardiologist: The Natural Way to Heart Health” was an Amazon #1 best-seller.

Dr. Wolfson and his wife Heather have four children and are committed to making the world a better place to live. They provide for those in need (including animals) and support natural health causes through their philanthropic efforts.

Chiropractic

Our chiropractor is an expert at adjustments and holistic chiropractic care and works closely in conjunction with the other health care experts at Natural Heart Doctor.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

IV Therapy

We use specially formulated natural vitamins and minerals that are injected into a vein to prevent or treat dehydration. Ideal for people in Arizona.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Acupuncture

Stimulate your body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being with acupuncture at Natural Heart Doctor.

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Health Coaching

Our health coaches use evidence based skillful conversation, clinical interventions, and strategies to engage you actively and safely in health behavior changes.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Cardio Tests

We use the most advanced testing in the world to assess heart health and to identify the root cause of your health issues.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Office Visits

Schedule an office visit with one of our cardiologists, holistic physicians, chiropractor, or health coaches.

Call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’d like to receive an online second opinion from Natural Heart Doctor. What do I do next?

You can initiate a second opinion online through our website at any time. To begin, select the team member you’d like to speak with and open an account.

Click here for cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson.

Naturopathic Medical Doctor Dr. Lauren Lattanza. Get details.

Naturopathic Medical Doctor Dr. Tonia Rainier. Get details.

Click here for  Natural Heart Doctor Health Coach.

Alternatively, you can email health@naturalheartdoctor.com. A member of our care team will help guide you through the process of starting a second opinion.

What is the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

The cost for most second opinions varies by team member. This fee includes information collection, a phone or video consultation, a second opinion from a Natural Heart Doctor specialist and guidance throughout the process from your personal Care Team at Natural Heart Doctor.

Cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson’s Second Opinion Fee is $1500.

Holistic Physician’s Dr. Lauren Lattanza’s Second Opinion Fee is $250.

Naturopathic Physician Dr. Tonia Rainier’s Second Opinion Fee is $250.

Note: We apply the Online Second Opinion Call fee as a credit to any future consultations with Natural Heart Doctor, should you choose them.

Will my insurance cover the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

Most likely, no. Most health plans do not cover online second opinions or consultations. You are responsible for the cost of our second opinion. Natural Heart Doctor cannot file a claim with your insurance carrier, nor can we provide a procedure (CPT) code for this service.

What is the timeline to receive an online second opinion?

We do our best to schedule your second opinion as quickly as possible. Typically, it takes 5 to 7 business days after your information has been collected to receive your phone or video online second opinion.

What information do you need in advance of our call?

Our office will send you a short questionnaire to complete and return. We DO NOT need your complete medical records.

How many questions can I ask the expert during our call?

You may ask a maximum of five questions. This is to ensure that the expert has sufficient time to devote to each question. All questions must be finalized before your online meeting.

What should I expect to receive once my second opinion is complete?

You will receive a summary of our discussion along with our second opinion. The second opinion will be in written form. After you have reviewed the second opinion, a Natural Heart Doctor clinician will follow up with you by phone to address general medical questions about the information provided in the second opinion.

What if I have follow-up questions for the expert after I have reviewed my second opinion?

If you have a clarifying question about an expert’s response to one of the questions in your second opinion, and the Natural Heart Doctor clinician is unable to address it, then you may request a follow up session for an additional fee. 

Is my medical and payment information secure?

Natural Heart Doctor is strongly committed to protecting the privacy and security of all our patients. Our website meets all federal requirements for protecting personal health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). All financial transactions are processed by Natural Heart Doctor securely using industry standard payment processing tools.

I would rather visit Natural Heart Doctor for an in-person appointment. What should I do next?

If you would prefer an in-person appointment at Natural Heart Doctor instead of an online second opinion, please call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Can I schedule a follow up appointment with the specialist who provided my online second opinion?

Yes, we’re happy to help you on an extended basis. Our clinician can discuss options with you when presenting our second opinion summary.