Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It affects men and women of every age and race. During American Heart Month, we encourage all of our clients to join the fight against heart disease and to learn more about how to prevent it.

More than 64 million Americans suffer from one or more forms of cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, stroke, and congenital heart defects. Many of the risk factors that can lead to heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and diabetes, can be prevented or controlled. Research has shown that men and women who lead healthy lifestyles, including making healthy food choices, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and choosing not to smoke or drink excessively, can significantly decrease their risk of heart disease.

Excess weight and obesity linked to Insulin Resistance can be underlying causes of heart disease, which, if neglected, may result in a heart attack or stroke.

People suffering from excess weight and obesity often have elevated cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. These conditions can be among the symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X), a cluster of risk factors which damage the cardiovascular system.

Chronic high levels of glucose and insulin are classic symptoms of Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome. One of the primary risk factors for atherosclerosis, a form of hardening of the arteries, is elevated triglycerides. The biggest risk factor for increasing the production of triglycerides is the rate of your insulin secretion.

Insulin is produced in your pancreas and released into the circulatory system where it is the key to the absorption of glucose by your cells for energy. If your cells resist insulin, then both insulin and glucose build up in your blood. Excess insulin leads to weight gain and high blood pressure – both precursors to Cardiovascular Disease.

It is common knowledge in both the research and clinical worlds that a balanced diet will essentially shut down an excessive production of insulin and allow glucagon full access to your vast stores of energy.  Thus, long term weight loss involves balancing your diet by using the macronutrients called protein, fat, and complex carbohydrates (which includes fiber) to stimulate the release of glucagon.

Remember–when insulin levels are high, fewer calories are burned and more calories are transformed to fat. Conversely, when insulin levels are low, more calories are burned, fewer calories turn into fat, and body weight tends to decrease.  Body fat can’t be burned when the body is busy converting carbohydrates into more body fat.  Losing excess fat is a matter of controlling blood sugars.  By controlling blood sugars, you control the storage of fat which ultimately will help you keep a healthy heart.