A Functional Medicine Approach to Heart Health

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in both men and women, yet many individuals with “normal” cholesterol still develop heart disease, stroke, or metabolic syndrome.
At Advance Health Integrative Medicine in Los Angeles, Dr. Rashel takes a root-cause, functional medicine approach to heart health—looking beyond traditional markers to identify the true biochemical and inflammatory drivers of cardiovascular risk.

Our Advanced Cardiac Risk Testing provides a precise, personalized understanding of your heart health—so prevention and treatment strategies can be targeted, effective, and sustainable.

Why Traditional Heart Tests Are Not Enough

Standard cholesterol panels often fail to detect early dysfunction or the hidden risks that drive vascular inflammation, arterial damage, and plaque instability.
Two patients can have identical cholesterol levels yet vastly different cardiovascular risk profiles—because what matters most are particle size, oxidation, inflammation, insulin resistance, and genetic factors.

Advanced Cardiac Risk Testing goes far beyond the basic lipid profile, providing an in-depth view of:

  • Lipoprotein particle size and number

  • Endothelial (arterial wall) inflammation

  • Oxidative stress and plaque instability

  • Insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction

  • Genetic variations influencing lipid metabolism

Tests Included in Advanced Cardiac Risk Assessment

1. Advanced Lipoprotein Particle Analysis

Unlike a standard cholesterol test, this panel measures LDL particle number (LDL-P), particle size, and small, dense LDL levels, which are more atherogenic and predictive of heart disease than total LDL cholesterol alone.

2. Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]

Lp(a) is a genetically determined particle that significantly increases cardiovascular risk, even when cholesterol appears normal. Early detection allows for more targeted treatment and prevention strategies.

3. High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)

A key marker of vascular inflammation, hs-CRP helps identify individuals at risk of plaque rupture and cardiovascular events. Chronic inflammation can often be addressed through nutrition, detoxification, and microbiome balance.

4. Homocysteine

Elevated homocysteine damages blood vessels and increases risk for heart disease, stroke, and dementia. Levels often reflect genetic methylation imbalances (MTHFR variants) and B-vitamin deficiencies—correctable through personalized treatment.

5. Apolipoproteins (ApoA1 and ApoB)

These proteins are more accurate predictors of cardiovascular risk than LDL or HDL levels.

  • ApoB reflects total atherogenic particle load.

  • ApoA1 reflects protective HDL function.
    The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio provides a powerful measure of risk and treatment progress.

6. Oxidized LDL

Measures oxidative damage to LDL particles—one of the earliest steps in atherosclerosis. Reducing oxidative stress through nutrition, antioxidant support, and detoxification is central to functional prevention.

7. Fasting Insulin, HOMA-IR, and Glucose

Cardiovascular disease is closely tied to insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. Measuring fasting insulin, glucose, and the HOMA-IR index detects early metabolic stress before diabetes develops.

8. Fibrinogen and Lp-PLA2

Both markers indicate blood viscosity and vascular inflammation, contributing to clot formation and unstable plaques. Functional therapies target endothelial repair and balance coagulation naturally.

9. Genetic Cardio-Metabolic Risk Testing

Identifies genetic variations affecting lipid metabolism, inflammation, detoxification, and methylation, including APOE, CETP, MTHFR, and other key genes influencing cardiovascular and cognitive health.

Functional Medicine Interpretation of Cardiac Testing

At Advance Health, results are not viewed in isolation.
Dr. Tahzib integrates your biomarkers, genetics, diet, lifestyle, and environmental exposures to create a clear, actionable plan for prevention and treatment.

Each patient receives a personalized cardiovascular roadmap that may include:

  • Nutrient optimization to correct deficiencies and methylation imbalances

  • Gut and liver detoxification to lower systemic inflammation

  • Dietary and metabolic strategies to improve insulin sensitivity

  • Stress management to normalize cortisol and reduce vascular strain

  • Targeted supplements to improve endothelial and mitochondrial function

Who Should Consider Advanced Cardiac Testing

You may benefit from advanced testing if you have:

  • A personal or family history of heart disease or stroke

  • Elevated cholesterol or triglycerides

  • Hypertension or metabolic syndrome

  • Fatigue, inflammation, or insulin resistance

  • Autoimmune disease, thyroid dysfunction, or chronic stress

  • A desire for proactive, preventive health optimization

The Advance Health Advantage

Dr. Rashel Tahzib is among the first ever physicians in the U.S. to be certified by the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM). She combines evidence-based diagnostics with precision functional medicine to deliver integrated, individualized cardiovascular care.

Her approach emphasizes early detection, prevention, and cellular optimization—helping patients achieve sustainable heart health, vitality, and longevity.

Related Diagnostic Services

Explore other advanced assessments offered at Advance Health Integrative Medicine:

Schedule Your Advanced Cardiac Risk Consultation

Take a proactive, data-driven approach to your heart health.
Schedule your consultation with Dr. Rashel at Advance Health Integrative Medicine in Los Angeles to uncover hidden risk factors and build a personalized plan for prevention and vitality.

Contact us today to begin your Advanced Cardiac Risk Assessment.