3 Steps to Better Health
Our centers provide full diagnostic evaluation and treatment of all cardiovascular conditions and combine integrative cardiology with traditional approaches. The goal is to engage you, our patient, in setting yourself on a path to optimal health, energy, and function for life.
There are no cardiac conditions that would not benefit from considering the whole person in the 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 interventions rooted in holistic medicine and cardiovascular well-being. If you’re searching for holistic cardiologists near you, our practice offers a unique blend of advanced diagnostics and personalized care. 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, a review of prior testing, supplements, and a nutritional review. You will be provided with a personalized treatment plan following your visit, including recommendations for further testing and the Fit in Your GENES® Program that best fits your heart health and optimization needs.
Step 2: Deep Dive
The goal of diagnostic testing is to evaluate vital functions of the heart, assess risk factors, and find the most appropriate treatment plan. You will always know why and how the tests are done, whether they are appropriate, and what the outcome is expected to be. We perform a full range of laboratory tests and non-invasive cardiac imaging tests, as well as specialized integrative cardiology and functional medicine tests. See our HeartWell Toolkits for more info.
Most Common Cardiac Tests
During your consultation, our practitioners will discuss whether 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 plan.
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 high 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 stress test to evaluate your body’s exercise capacity and oxygen use. These tests are especially helpful in detecting early stages of heart disease and supporting cardiovascular health.
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). These early detection tools are essential to protecting cardiovascular well-being and promoting a healthy heart.
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. We also assess the aging process and how it impacts heart health and overall well-being. 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 cardiology and functional therapy recommendations. We provide evidence-based recommendations on cardiac medications and procedures, and use functional foods, supplements, and vitamins for treatment. We also incorporate targeted supplementation to support nutritional gaps that may contribute to heart disease or other cardiovascular disease risk factors.
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 organs. Often called a “systems biology approach,” functional medicine addresses underlying disease drivers such as inflammation, oxidative stress, and autoimmunity. Our integrative cardiology services are designed to support long-term heart health and prevent cardiovascular disease before it progresses.
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.