Why Oxidative Stress is Better Than a Calcium Scan for Predicting Heart Attack Risk

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cardiac stress test ECG Tracings

When it comes to predicting your risk of a heart attack, many people are sent for a coronary artery calcium scan. You lie down, hold your breath, and get a number.

And that number is supposed to define your future risk.

But here’s the reality most never hear…

Coronary calcium is old news.

A calcium score tells you what has already happened over years or decades. It shows calcified plaque, which is essentially scar tissue in the arteries. It’s a record of past damage, not a reflection of what is actively happening right now.

It does not tell you if your arteries are inflamed today.
It does not tell you if plaque is unstable.
It does not tell you if you are at immediate risk of a heart attack.

And that’s the problem.

Because heart attacks don’t happen from old, stable plaque alone. They happen when active biological processes destabilize the artery in real time.

That process is oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress is the ongoing damage occurring inside your blood vessels right now. It reflects the imbalance between free radicals and your body’s ability to defend itself. When oxidative stress is elevated, it injures the arterial lining, fuels inflammation, and can turn stable plaque into something dangerous.

This is not about the past.

This is about what is happening today.

Think of it this way. A coronary calcium scan is like looking at the ashes after a fire has already burned. An oxidative stress test is like detecting the flames while the fire is still active.

Which one actually helps you prevent disaster?

The Heart Attack Risk Test measures oxidative stress using a simple at-home urine sample. No radiation. No imaging. No guesswork.

Just real-time insight into whether your arteries are under attack.

This is the shift that matters.

Instead of relying on outdated snapshots of past damage, you can measure the current process driving cardiovascular risk. And once you know your oxidative stress levels, you can take action to lower them.

When oxidative stress goes down, risk goes down.

If you’ve been told your calcium score defines your future, it’s time to look deeper.

Because your risk is not just about what has happened.

It’s about what is happening right now.


What is Oxidative Stress?

Oxidative stress occurs when there’s an imbalance between free radicals (unstable molecules that damage cells) and antioxidants (molecules that neutralize free radicals). Excessive oxidative stress leads to inflammation, arterial damage, and plaque buildup—key contributors to heart attacks.

In other words, oxidative stress doesn’t just indicate that something is wrong with your heart—it pinpoints why it’s wrong.


The Oxidative Stress Test Advantage

An oxidative stress test measures biomarkers of free radical activity and antioxidant defenses in your body. This provides a clearer picture of your cardiovascular health by identifying root causes of disease rather than just observing symptoms. Here’s why it’s better:

Identifies Early Warning Signs Oxidative stress testing uncovers damage to blood vessels and cells well before symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath appear. By identifying risks early, you can take preventive action to avoid a heart attack altogether.

Targets the Root Cause Unlike a treadmill test, which only evaluates heart function under stress, oxidative stress testing goes deeper, evaluating the inflammatory and cellular damage that underpins most heart disease

Personalized Preventive Strategies Oxidative stress results empower you to address imbalances through lifestyle changes, diet, and targeted supplementation. For example, high oxidative stress might call for increasing antioxidant-rich foods, improving sleep, or supplementing with specific nutrients like vitamin C or CoQ10.

Non-Invasive and Convenient Oxidative stress tests are typically done through simple blood or urine samples. They’re quick, easy, and can even be done from home with kits like those available through Natural Heart Doctor.

Better Predictor of Heart Attack Risk Numerous studies link oxidative stress with heart disease progression and heart attack risk. By addressing oxidative stress, you’re tackling one of the most significant underlying contributors to cardiovascular events.


A Smarter Approach to Heart Health

The treadmill stress test remains a valuable tool for diagnosing certain conditions, but it falls short in predicting heart attacks or uncovering the root causes of cardiovascular disease. Oxidative stress testing, on the other hand, gives you actionable insights into what’s happening at a cellular level, empowering you to take control of your health.

At Natural Heart Doctor, we offer cutting-edge oxidative stress testing that you can do from the comfort of your home. With this powerful tool, you can assess your heart health, uncover hidden risks, and craft a personalized plan to achieve a 100 Year Heart.


Take Action Today

Heart disease doesn’t happen overnight—it’s the result of years of oxidative stress and inflammation. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear or rely solely on outdated tools like the treadmill stress test. Proactively measure and address oxidative stress to protect your heart and your future.

At Natural Heart Doctor, we offer the Heart Attack Risk Test, a comprehensive at-home assessment designed to evaluate your oxidative stress levels and pinpoint the root causes of cardiovascular disease. This easy-to-use test provides actionable insights, allowing you to take charge of your heart health with targeted strategies.

Visit HeartAttackRiskTest.com to learn more and order your test today. Don’t wait for a wake-up call—invest in your health now and take the first step toward a 100 Year Heart.

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About Dr. Keith Smigiel NP, DC

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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

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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.