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The Deadly Nature of Chronic Stress and Cholesterol

When stress is chronic and the “fight or flight” response remains activated, it puts tremendous strain on the body. The stress hormones cause the release of triglycerides and free fatty acids, which can harm cholesterol numbers and lipid ratios.

Higher stress levels are also associated with poor lifestyle choices such as an unhealthy diet, less movement, and higher body weight.

What chronic stress has to do with abnormal cholesterol

We often think of the mind and body as independent of each other, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Think about it – you have nerve cells controlling almost every process in your body. The nervous system can make or break your cardiovascular health.

Acute stress is a normal reaction to an overwhelming event. Chronic stress can be problematic because it keeps the body in a prolonged state of tension, which can place a lot of strain on the body. As a result, your cholesterol can become abnormal, increasing the risk of severe consequences. 

Let’s explore the relationship between stress and cholesterol and talk about steps you can take to help your heart health.

What you need to know about cholesterol

Cholesterol has a bad reputation, but it is actually an important molecule produced by the liver. It supplies crucial vitamins and nutrients and supports mitochondrial health. Cholesterol gets transported through the body by high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs). 

You may have heard that HDL is “good cholesterol” and LDL is “bad cholesterol,” but this isn’t the whole truth. LDL particles can be healthy and useful. 

Problems occur when LDL particles interact with free radicals, unstable particles that cause damage. This causes oxidation of the LDL particles, contributing to cardiovascular disease.

False Promise of Statin Report

Another dangerous molecule you may not have heard of is Lp(a). This is a lipoprotein that carries an LDL-like molecule called apolipoprotein(a). Lp(a) molecules are very predictive of cardiovascular risk but are usually not tested in conventional settings

As you can see, it’s not as simple as “good cholesterol” versus “bad cholesterol.” For the lowest cardiovascular risk, you should aim for:

  • Low levels of oxidized LDL particles
  • Low levels of Lp(a)
  • Reduced triglycerides
  • Adequate levels of HDL
  • Adequate levels of healthy LDL particles 

It’s a common myth that a high-fat diet contributes to bad cholesterol. Your cardiovascular system needs healthy fats. The two main culprits of abnormal cholesterol are a high-sugar diet and a high-stress lifestyle.

How do I know if my cholesterol is abnormal?

If your doctor has told you that you have high cholesterol, don’t panic yet. Conventional labs don’t test for particle size or for molecules such as Lp(a). 

It’s important to perform more detailed testing before jumping to conclusions about your cardiovascular risk. At Natural Heart Doctor, our comprehensive testing allows us to see the whole picture.

How does stress increase cholesterol levels?

A recent study showed that individuals who experienced stressful situations were at increased risk of abnormal cholesterol. But how exactly does this happen? 

When you experience stress, the body’s sympathetic nervous system, or “fight or flight,” activates. The body prepares to respond to a threat and starts pumping out a stress hormone called cortisol.

The consequences of cortisol

Cortisol causes the release of steroid hormones called glucocorticoids, which can also cause a spike in free fatty acids, increasing the risk of obesity and insulin resistance, and high blood sugar.

High blood sugar triggers the release of triglycerides and harmful LDL particles. Carrying excess fat can cause chronic low-grade inflammation, another contributor to bad cholesterol.

The cycle of stress, inflammation, and cholesterol

Cortisol can cause a spike in inflammation, which can worsen abnormal cholesterol. In turn, abnormal cholesterol can further ramp up inflammation. 

If left untreated, this can become a dangerous self-perpetuating cycle. This is why prevention and early treatment are so important. Once you’re stuck in this feedback loop, it can be challenging to break out of it.

The life-threatening consequences of stress

The impact of stress on cholesterol can lead to dangerous conditions and mortality.

As we’ve discussed, LDL particles are not always bad. But, when LDL particles become oxidized, they attach themselves to blood vessel walls. This creates atherosclerosis, which is plaque formation on the vessel walls. Atherosclerosis significantly increases the risk of:

Triglycerides and Lp(a) particles can have similar consequences. High levels of these particles contribute to plaque formation and associated conditions.

Manage stress and lower cholesterol naturally

Most doctors will treat high cholesterol with a statin, a cholesterol-lowering prescription drug with potentially severe consequences. Statins interfere with the body’s natural mechanisms and can reduce overall cholesterol, destroying harmful particles along with beneficial ones.

The human body can maintain normal cholesterol levels, but you have to make sure you’re giving it the support it needs. This is why stress management is so necessary for supporting healthy cholesterol.

Meditation

Mindfulness meditation is a great tool for learning how to manage stress better. Research shows that it can decrease cardiovascular risk factors, including high cholesterol. There are many free apps and videos online for guided mediation.

Yoga

Yoga combines the mindfulness aspect of meditation with endorphin-boosting exercise. Regular yoga practice reduces cortisol levels, high cholesterol, and blood pressure – boosting heart health on all fronts! If you’re unable to get to an in-person class, there are free or affordable virtual classes.

Deep Breathing

If you’re limited on time, some deep breaths may be all you need. Most people ignore the quality of their breathing. Deep, slow breaths can trigger the vagus nerve and reduce cortisol levels. Set alarms on your phone throughout the day to remind yourself to breathe.

Support stress and cholesterol with supplements

Supplements can be a powerful tool for lowering stress and supporting cholesterol. The following supplements are generally safe and have minimal side effects. It’s always a good idea to talk to a supportive doctor when starting a new supplement protocol.

  • Berberine

Berberine is a plant-based supplement that can help alleviate stress. This supplement also supports cholesterol by increasing the number of LDL receptors on the liver. This reduces the amount of LDL in circulation. 

  • Magnesium

Magnesium is a necessary mineral for mental health and stress management. Researchers estimate that 48 percent of Americans aren’t getting enough of it in their diet, and supplementation is often necessary. Low magnesium may lead to high cholesterol, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and many other conditions.

  • Fish oil

Fish oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce stress and inflammation. A recent study showed that supplementation with Omega-3 led to a significant reduction in LDL and triglyceride levels. Fresh wild-caught seafood is the best source, but supplements can be helpful.

Next steps

When life gets busy and chaotic, stress management can feel like an uphill battle. It may seem impossible to find time to decompress, let alone make changes to your diet and supplements. But the scary alternative is destroyed heart health – the potential for heart attacks, strokes, and death. Stress management is necessary for normalizing your cholesterol and achieving your 100 Year Heart. Start with a few deep breaths, and you’re already on your way!

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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.