Integrative Approaches for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention

Integrative cardiology is a patient-centered care model that focuses on body, mind, and spirit and aims to incorporate evidence-based healing modalities that focus on health and prevention. Utilizing a preventive, predictive, and personalized approach using advanced diagnostic testing which include assessment of underlying causes of a disease state, integrative cardiology aims to deliver whole-person interventions. Lifestyle modifications, including nutrition and physical activity, are pillars that are complemented by mind-body interventions, acupuncture, and appropriate use of nutraceuticals. Many integrative studies have demonstrated a decrease in blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, and measures of stress that all impact cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Understanding personal risk and mitigating that risk are key tenets to promoting health and preventing disease. Here we discuss the evidence behind many integrative cardiology therapies as well as future directions.