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Childhood Trauma and Your Heart

A child’s heart is a beautiful thing—pure, innocent, and full of love. And while a child’s heart is resilient, it’s also fragile. The emotions and experiences of childhood shape our heart health for the rest of our lives. All the healthy food in the world is not enough to negate childhood trauma and its effect on heart disease.

The heart you had as a child is the same heart that resides in you today. Every cell of your body has a memory, including your heart. By addressing any negative childhood experiences, you offer healing to both the emotional and the physical heart. So together, let’s bring some gentle awareness, love, and healing to the heart of your inner child.

Broken heart syndrome 

If you’ve ever experienced a tremendous loss, such as a divorce or the death of a loved one, you know exactly how it feels. For many, at least initially, it feels as though you may die due to the experience. “My heart is broken” is more than just an expression. For some, there is a scientific basis for the painful feeling.

In the early 1990s, scientists in Japan put a name to a phenomenon that many cardiologists were peripherally aware of. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, also known as stress cardiomyopathy or “broken heart syndrome,” was the term given to a cardiac syndrome that resulted from severe emotional distress. 

As individuals with Takotsubo experience harrowing and often sudden emotions, they develop symptoms that mimic a heart attack. Chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness develop after hearing bad news. Medical tests often confirm suspicions, showing what appears to be a heart attack. 

As doctors run more tests, they soon discover a bulging out of the lowest part of the heart. The bottom part of the heart resembles an octopus trap, hence the Japanese word “takotsubo.” Thankfully, broken heart syndrome is usually short-lived, and the heart often returns to normal within a few months. 

Over time, physicians have learned that Takotsubo syndrome results from the flood of stress hormones, particularly norepinephrine, in the blood. What Takotsubo tells us, however, is that the heart is extremely sensitive to difficult or shocking news. In addition, the heart responds to emotions in a very physical way. The heart, therefore, is both a physical and emotional organ. 

Adverse childhood experiences 

Childhood is supposed to be a time of carefree play, exploration, and learning. Children are meant to feel safe and loved. Unfortunately, for many, this innocence is merely a dream. Research suggests that approximately 50 percent of children experience at least one challenging traumatic event, and at least 14 percent experience two or more. 

Childhood traumas are often referred to as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). These experiences can include:

  • Emotional or physical neglect
  • Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
  • Parental abandonment
  • Divorce
  • Loss
  • Verbal humiliation
  • Growing up with a family member addicted to substances or with a mental illness 

Logically, researchers, physicians, and educators noticed a link between ACEs and emotional and behavioral issues in children. More recently, however, they began to discover the devastating impact that ACEs have on adult physical health. 

ACEs and disease

The word disease speaks for itself. Simply put, dis-ease means lack of ease. Individuals who had a challenging upbringing lacked ease during the most formative years of their lives. For many children, living in a heightened state of fear is common. 

These negative childhood experiences could affect emotional and behavioral regulation, predisposing individuals to higher rates of behavioral cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors that persist into adulthood, such as smoking, anxiety, depression, and a sedentary lifestyle. While this indeed is true, there is more to the story. 

The body responds to emotional stress similarly to how it responds to physical stress. Over time, elevated stress hormones in the body can lead to inflammation and long-term chronic health problems. In fact, studies have found that adults who experienced childhood trauma have higher C-reactive protein levels, a protein released by the liver in response to inflammation in the body.

Beyond psychological problems such as anxiety and depression, adverse childhood experiences are linked with many chronic health diseases, including cancer, diabetes, obesity, asthma, kidney, and, of course, heart disease.

Can childhood trauma cause heart problems? 

Exposure to childhood trauma is associated with many heart disease risk factors, including obesity, diabetes mellitus, increased blood pressure, vascular dysfunction, and inflammation.

A 2020 study linked childhood emotional trauma to heart disease as an adult. Researchers followed 3,646 people and concluded that those exposed to the highest levels of childhood trauma, abuse, and neglect were over 50 percent more likely to have a heart attack or stroke later in life. 

These findings held even after the authors accounted that childhood trauma often leads to unhealthy lifestyle choices such as substance abuse, poor nutrition, and a sedentary lifestyle. The authors also accounted for financial struggles and unemployment in their data to make sure they understood the emotional trauma itself. 

How do I know if my childhood is impacting my health?

Nearly everyone can recall a challenging part of childhood. For example, the loss of a loved one, bullying in school, or a neglectful parent. But what constitutes adverse childhood experiences? Are they cumulative? And do positive experiences balance out negative ones? Unfortunately, the answers are not cut and dry. 

In 1998, researchers developed a ten-question rating scale titled the Adverse Childhood Experience Questionnaire (ACE-Q). The questionnaire examines a person’s recall of childhood exposure to physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, as well as household dysfunction such as substance abuse and domestic assault. 

Each adverse childhood experience grants one point. For example, if someone was physically assaulted multiple times during childhood, but no other type of trauma occurred, they get one point in the ACE score. Scores greater than four are indicative of an increased risk of disease. For example, those with four categories of ACEs were twice as likely to develop cardiac disease compared to those with healthy childhoods. 

Today, therapists, health care providers, and individuals use the ACE quiz to assess childhood experiences and risk for disease. Higher scores are associated with a higher risk of health problems. Keep in mind, however, that the questionnaire is a guide. It does not assess current support systems or an individual’s resilience or coping ability. 

My ACE score is high- now what?

While seeking high scores in school was advantageous, no one wants a high ACE score. After all, it means that you suffered a great deal as a child, and it may shed light on the reasons behind your current chronic health problems. 

Since it’s impossible to change the past, we must find the silver lining. Think of your ACE score as information. Just as when you get less than ideal blood results from your doctor, the question is: now what? 

First and foremost, know that your childhood suffering may have contributed to your current health condition. Hopefully, acknowledging this fact will offer you some comfort. This is not to say that you have no control over your current situation. You can still choose a healthy lifestyle. 

Instead, it means that perhaps there were other aspects of your life that you had no control over that helped pave the way to disease. What good does recognizing this do? It offers forgiveness to yourself and your heart. And forgiveness leads to health.

Secondly, it may be helpful for those with high ACE scores to recall positive childhood experiences. In 2019, researchers found that positive experiences in youth did negate some of the negative ones. Since our bodies often have difficulty distinguishing between memory and the actual event, it may be helpful to meditate on the positive memories of your childhood. 

Finally, finding a way to heal your inner child’s heart is essential, and this process may look different for everyone. Some individuals have had success with eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Others find healing through prayer, meditation, or yoga retreats

Next steps

When thinking of the causes of heart problems, we often refer to diet, exercise, and everyday stress. While these factors undoubtedly contribute to heart disease, it might behoove you to look closely at your childhood trauma. In doing so, you may find a heart-healing opportunity.

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Medical Review 2022: Dr. Lauren Lattanza NMD

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About Dr. Lauren Lattanza NMD, FACC

Dr. Lattanza Office Visit with Patient

Dr. Lauren Lattanza Fees

20 Minute Virtual Call: $250

Initial In-Person Appointment:

Follow Up In-Person Appointment:       

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

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Dr. Jack Wolfson Fees

30 Minute Virtual Call: $1500

Initial In-Person Appointment:

Follow Up In-Person Appointment:       

Dr. Jack Wolfson is a board-certified 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.

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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.

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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.

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Office Visits

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

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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.