Cardiovascular health
Care path: Functional medicine
Heart health is shaped by many things at once: blood work, blood pressure, nutrition, how you train, sleep, stress and family history.
Functional medicine with Dr. Nick looks at how those pieces fit together for you, and builds a plan you can actually follow. It works alongside your physician and cardiologist, not instead of them.
Common questions
What does a functional medicine approach to heart health look like?
It starts with a detailed history: your symptoms, family history, medications, nutrition, activity, sleep and stress. Testing is recommended when it can add useful information.
From there, Dr. Nick explains what your results suggest and works with you on the parts you can change.
Which tests might be considered?
That depends on your history and goals. Blood work is often part of the picture, and Dr. Nick can talk through whether any other testing may be useful.
You can upload recent lab results through the patient portal so they can be reviewed with your history.
How do exercise and training fit in?
How you train matters as much as how much. Dr. Nick can talk through building cardio, strength and recovery into your week in a way that matches your current fitness and any limits your physician has set.
What about nutrition and supplements?
Food is a central part of any plan. Supplements may be discussed where they make sense for you, and Dr. Nick will review everything you already take, including medications, before suggesting anything new.
Will this replace my cardiologist or my medications?
No. Functional medicine works alongside care from your other clinicians. Do not change or stop any medication without talking to the clinician who prescribed it.
Is functional medicine covered by insurance?
Functional medicine is self-pay. Fees for each appointment type are shown when you request an appointment.
How to start
Start with a 30-minute call
A functional medicine consultation is a 30-minute call with Dr. Nick about your history, symptoms and goals.
Testing that fits your situation
Dr. Nick recommends testing only where it can add useful information, and explains why.
A summary and your options
Afterward, Dr. Nick sends a summary with the testing he recommends and your options, from a single case review of your results to 90 days of coaching on food, supplements and exercise.
A plan you can follow
Nutrition, training, sleep and stress are adjusted step by step, with check-ins so the plan keeps fitting your life.
When to seek emergency care
Call 911 right away for:
- Chest pain, pressure or tightness, especially if it spreads to the arm, jaw or back
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Fainting, or a racing or irregular heartbeat with chest pain, dizziness or breathlessness
- Sudden weakness or numbness on one side, facial drooping, or trouble speaking
See your physician promptly for:
- A racing or irregular heartbeat that comes and goes
- New swelling in your legs or ankles, or getting breathless more easily than usual
Other things we help with
Start with a conversation
Book a 30-minute functional medicine consultation to talk through your history, results and goals.
This page is general education, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Individual needs and outcomes vary.