Cardiologist Shares The Real Cause of Heart Attacks, What to Do About Microplastics and the Top Tests to Assess Heart Health With Dr. Michael Twyman
Apr 24, 2024
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Cardiologist Dr. Michael Twyman and Dr. Neel Patel discuss heart health, nitric oxide, genetics, diet, and more. Topics include protecting against microplastics, glyco-calax lining health, nitric oxide's role in cardiovascular health, red light therapy benefits, effects of over-exercising on heart health, personalized heart health through genetic screening, dietary recommendations, and biohacking for optimal health.
Microplastic exposure increases heart attack risk significantly, emphasizing the importance of reducing plastic use and environmental toxins.
Detection of microplastics in artery plaques poses a significant threat to cardiovascular health, underscoring the need for precautionary measures.
Endothelial health and early detection are crucial for preventing heart disease, highlighting the significance of personalized cardiovascular risk assessments.
emergency Cardiologist.
Deep dives
Alarming Link Between Microplastics and Vascular Health
Individuals with detectable levels of microplastics in their blood vessels are 4.53 times more likely to suffer from heart attacks, strokes, or death within three years. Patients with detectable levels of polyethylene in their plaque showed higher inflammatory markers and reduced blood vessel collagen.
Plastic Presence in Arterial Plaque
Plastics were found in about 50% of the population's artery plaques, with macrophages engulfing the substances leading to oxidative stress and inflammation. Following surgery to remove severe plaques, patients faced a significantly increased risk of heart attacks or strokes.
Protective Measures Against Microplastic Exposure
Recommendations include drinking spring water from glass bottles, using reverse osmosis filters, and having HEPA filters to reduce exposure to airborne microplastics. Suggestions include minimizing plastic use and being mindful of sun exposure without sunscreen.
Vascular Health and Longevity
Vascular health is crucial for longevity, with preventive measures like exercise and lifestyle interventions being effective in reducing heart attack risks. Addressing endothelial health and early detection of heart disease are vital for optimizing cardiovascular health and overall well-being.
Key Point 1: Importance of the EndoPAT Test for Assessing Nitric Oxide Production and Arterial Health
The EndoPAT test, a non-invasive test discussed in the podcast, is crucial for understanding nitric oxide production and assessing arterial health. This test involves measuring blood flow in the fingertips to evaluate artery responsiveness to stress. A score known as the Reactive Hyperemia Index is calculated to determine artery dilation and efficiency in releasing nitric oxide. Abnormal scores indicate endothelial dysfunction, increasing the risk of arterial plaque development.
Key Point 2: Importance of Blood Pressure Monitoring and Understanding Nitric Oxide Capacity
Blood pressure monitoring is emphasized as a good surrogate for assessing the body's nitric oxide capacity. Proper blood pressure measurement guidelines are highlighted, with a focus on maintaining levels below 120/80. Inadequate nitric oxide production can lead to high blood pressure. Genetic screenings for genes affecting blood pressure regulation are recommended for personalized treatment plans.
Key Point 3: Genetic Testing and Personalized Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
Genetic testing is crucial for personalized cardiovascular risk assessment, identifying genes impacting lipid metabolism, blood pressure regulation, and artery health. Specific gene variants like LPLLA, ApoE, 9P21, and KIF6 are associated with cardiovascular disease risk. Genetic testing can guide tailored treatments, optimizing medication effectiveness and risk reduction strategies.
Key Point 4: Dietary Recommendations, Omega-3 Supplementation, and Nutrient Focus
Dietary guidelines focused on timing and seasonal eating are essential for heart health, along with omega-3 consumption from sources like fish and algae. Omega-3 supplements may be beneficial, especially when dietary intake is insufficient. Emphasizing nutrient-rich foods, regulating omega-3 to omega-6 ratio, and considering phospholipid supplements can support vascular health and plaque prevention.
The Impact of Various Diets on Cardiovascular Health
Different dietary patterns such as vegetarian, vegan, and raw food diets were discussed, highlighting their effects on cardiovascular health. The speaker shared personal experiences with these diets, emphasizing the importance of choosing a balanced and healthy diet to support long-term cardiovascular wellness.
Supplementation Recommendations for Addressing Soft Plaque in Arteries
Nitric oxide boosters, omega-3s, and Kyolic garlic were recommended as supplements to potentially address soft plaque in arteries. These supplements aim to reduce inflammation, improve nitric oxide production, and support arterial health by preventing further plaque buildup. The discussion also touched on the benefits and dosages of each supplement.
Exploring Prescription Interventions for Cardiovascular Health
The podcast delved into the use of statins as a common prescription intervention for managing cardiovascular risk. While discussing the benefits of statins in reducing cholesterol levels, potential side effects like muscle symptoms were highlighted. The importance of considering individual factors such as vitamin D levels, Co-Q10 levels, and genetic predispositions when using statins was also emphasized.
This episode is brought to you by Plunge and Lumebox.
Heart disease stands as one of the foremost global killers, claiming the top spot as the leading cause of death among women. With numerous factors contributing to its development, the future lies in precision cardiology—individually, customized, and prevention-focused. Today's episode is a deep dive into endothelial health and the journey to becoming heart attack-proof.
Today on The Dhru Purohit Podcast, Dhru sits down with Dr. Michael Twyman and Dr. Neel Patel to discuss endothelial and cardiovascular health. Dr. Twyman shares his approach to assessing an individual’s risk of heart disease, metabolic health, and the importance of nitric oxide. Dhru, Dr. Patel, and Dr. Twyman discuss the role of genetics and the bloodwork you can order on your own and through a traditional healthcare system. They also discuss the diet and lifestyle for optimal heart health, supplements that should be incorporated into your daily routine, and the role of statins.
Dr. Michael Twyman is a board-certified cardiologist focusing on the prevention and early detection of heart disease. Dr. Twyman completed his cardiovascular training at St. Louis University after he completed a four-year active-duty tour as an internist at Naval Hospital Beaufort. He has been in private practice since 2012 and uses the best of conventional, quantum, and Functional Medicine and biohacking to get to the root cause of his patients’ cardiovascular issues.
In this episode, Dhru, Dr. Twyman and Dr. Patel dive into (audio version / Apple Subscriber version):
Microplastics and cardiovascular health (00:00:05 / 00:00:05)
How to approach vascular health and what is endothelial health (3:42 / 3:42)
Traditional versus Dr. Twyman’s approach to the risk of heart disease (10:00 / 8:10)
Glycocalyx: what damages it and what supports it (14:32 /13:02)
For more on Dr. Michael Twyman, follow him on Instagram @drtwyman or his website, drtwyman.com.
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