3 Steps to Better Health
Our centers provide full diagnostic evaluation and treatment of all cardiovascular conditions, and combine integrative with traditional approaches. The goal is to engage you, our patient, in setting yourself on a path to optimal energy and function for life.
There are no cardiac conditions that would not benefit from considering a whole person in a context of their life, habits, beliefs, likes and dislikes. There are so many opportunities: from prevention at the cellular level to a full spectrum of nutritional, exercise and behavioral intervention. Book a discovery call with our patient coordinator for more information.
Step 1: Explore
Your Step 1 visit is a 30-minute virtual appointment that includes a detailed history intake, a brief review of prior tests, medications, and supplements, and a recommendation for the Fit in Your GENES® Program.
We recommend a Step 1 visit with HeartWell Toolkit testing completed prior to your appointment. All Step 1 visits include a focused review of medical history, and a review of prior testing, supplement, and nutritional review. You will be provided with a personalized plan following your visit, including recommendations for further testing and the Fit in Your GENES® Program that best fits your health optimization needs.
Step 2: Deep Dive
The goal of diagnostic testing is to evaluate vital functions of the heart, assess risk, and find the most appropriate treatment. You will always know why and how the tests are done, whether they are appropriate, and the outcome expected. We perform a full range of laboratory tests and non-invasive cardiac imaging tests as well as specialized functional medicine tests. See our HeartWell Toolkits for more info.
Most Common Cardiac Tests
During your consultation, our practitioners will discuss if any cardiac testing is needed. You can expect to be informed as to the possible test result, and what it may mean for you in terms of your treatment.
Cardiac testing provides an opportunity to evaluate your heart structure and function. Using an echocardiogram, we can visualize heart valves, the heart’s inner and outer linings, and large blood vessels such as the aorta, and estimate heart muscle function. Using treadmill exercise stress allows us to observe how blood pressure and heart rate vary with stress and detect exercise-induced arrhythmia. An exercise stress test may be combined with an ultrasound of the heart (stress echocardiogram) performed at peak exercise for additional information about variability in heart muscle function at stress. Information from exercise ECG and stress echocardiogram is useful in determining if blockages (coronary stenosis) are impeding blood flow to the heart muscle.
Specialized Cardiac Tests
Some of our patients are advised to undergo a stress test that evaluates heart muscle blood flow using small doses of radioactive materials, commonly referred to as nuclear cardiology stress tests. You may be recommended to have a special type of the stress test to evaluate your body exercise capacity and oxygen use.
Early Detection of Heart Disease
Early signs of heart disease are not easily identifiable with the most common or even specialized cardiac tests, such as an echocardiogram or stress testing. Blockages in the coronary arteries (the vessels that feed the heart) can be identified early on with more sensitive testing, such as coronary artery calcium score (CT heart) or measurements of blood vessel abilities to dilate (testing for evaluation of the endothelium, an inner lining of the blood vessels).
Laboratory & Functional Medicine Tests
We perform a full range of standard and advanced laboratory testing in-office and through free-standing facilities in the area. Our personalized tests include advanced lipid and inflammatory markers, metabolic and nutritional assessments, genetic testing, testing for toxins and heavy metal exposures, and extensive panels for hormone testing. Please book an appointment for test instructions.
Image credit: Cleveland Heart Labs®
Step 3: Engage
The practice of precision cardiology presumes that traditional pharmacological treatments and procedures will co-exist with integrative and functional therapy recommendations. We provide evidence-based recommendation on cardiac medications and procedures, and use functional foods, supplements, vitamins for treatment.
Evaluation and Treatment of All Cardiac Conditions & Risk Factors
1. Coronary Disease, Myocardial Infarction, Bypass Surgery and Stent Patients
2. Cardiomyopathy (Weakness of the Heart Muscle)
3. Atrial Fibrillation, SVT, Premature Beats, Palpitations
4. Valvular Disease
5. Pericarditis (inflammation of the outer lining of the heart)
6. Hypertension, abnormal cholesterol, diabetes, arterial and venous disease
7. Congestive Heart Failure
8. Cardio-oncology
Integrative & Functional Medicine Therapy
Functional medicine is based on principles of treating root causes rather than just symptoms, shifting focus from a diseased organ to identifying metabolic and toxic imbalances that affect all functions, and all organs. Often called a “systems biology approach”, functional medicine addresses underlying disease drivers, such as inflammation, oxidative stress and autoimmunity.
1. Detoxification
2. Holistic nutrition
3. Nutraceuticals and supplements
4. IV therapy
5. Stress Resilience and Mindfulness
“Dr. Druz is very sweet, thorough and attentive. I went to my appointment with worry and anxiety and left feeling like I was in good hands and I could trust her. She cares about the patients.”
– Cecilia M.