Cardiovascular disease is often treated only after symptoms appear, but what if the real opportunity lies in prevention? In this episode, Dr. Gavin Guard, DMS, PA-C, MPAS, CLS joins host Amber Warren, PA-C, for Part 2 of their conversation on cardiovascular disease through the lens of metabolic health and functional medicine. Together, they explore how heart disease develops over time, why insulin resistance and chronic inflammation play a central role, and what can be done to reduce risk before a major cardiac event occurs.
Dr. Guard breaks down the conventional approach to cardiovascular disease screening and treatment while explaining how functional medicine goes deeper by identifying underlying drivers of disease. From advanced imaging and cardiovascular risk assessments to nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, and body composition, this episode highlights the lifestyle interventions that can have a profound impact on long-term heart health.
You’ll also learn why metabolic health is one of the strongest predictors of cardiovascular outcomes, how simple habits like increasing daily movement can dramatically lower risk, and why a personalized approach to prevention is essential for optimal health and longevity.
Whether you’re concerned about your cardiovascular risk, looking to improve your metabolic health, or simply want actionable strategies to protect your heart for years to come, this episode delivers practical, science-based insights you can start applying today.
In this episode, you will learn:
- Functional medicine strategies for preventing and reducing cardiovascular disease risk
- How cardiovascular disease is assessed in conventional medicine
- Why calcium scoring and advanced imaging can provide deeper insight into risk
- The connection between insulin resistance, inflammation, and heart disease
- How a Mediterranean-style diet supports cardiovascular health
- Why exercise and daily movement are critical for heart health
- The role of body composition and visceral fat in disease risk
- How sleep quality impacts blood pressure, heart disease, and longevity
- The relationship between stress, inflammation, and cardiovascular outcomes
- The potential impact of environmental factors on cardiovascular health