February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on caring for the organ that keeps everything else running. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for men and women, yet many of the biggest risk factors are preventable.
At NUNM Health Centers, we believe heart care should be proactive, personalized, and rooted in whole-person medicine. This February, our team invites you to take simple, meaningful steps toward lifelong cardiovascular health.
Why Heart Health Matters
Heart disease doesn’t happen overnight. It develops slowly due to factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, inflammation, stress, and lifestyle habits. The good news? These are areas where naturopathic care can make a real difference.
According to Dr. Lai Chim Chan, ND, Associate Professor of Cardiology at NUNM:
- Nearly 47 percent of U.S. adults meet criteria for high blood pressure.
- About one-third of those with hypertension do not have it well controlled.
- High cholesterol remains a major contributor to heart disease risk.
“These are conditions we can often improve with nutrition, movement, stress reduction, and targeted natural therapies,” says Dr. Chan. “And when medications are needed, we help patients understand how to use them safely and effectively.”
Heart Disease Affects Women Too
Heart disease is often seen as a men’s health issue, but that misconception can delay care for women. After menopause, women’s risk for heart disease rises to match men’s, and heart disease is now the leading cause of death in women.
February also includes National Wear Red Day, a reminder that women’s cardiovascular health deserves attention at every life stage, including perimenopause and menopause.
At NUNM Health Centers, we work with women to:
- Identify cardiovascular risk factors early.
- Support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Address stress, sleep, and hormone-related changes.
- Create sustainable prevention plans.
Prevention Starts With Daily Habits
Heart health doesn’t require extreme changes. Small, consistent habits make the biggest impact. Our providers support patients with:
- Personalized nutrition guidance
- Exercise planning that fits real life
- Stress management strategies
- Weight and metabolic health support
- Sodium and alcohol reduction guidance
“Even 30 minutes of daily walking can lower blood pressure,” says Dr. Chan. “Prevention is about realistic steps you can maintain.”
Food as Medicine for Heart Health
Naturopathic medicine embraces the healing power of food and plants. Some heart-supportive favorites used in care at NUNM include:
- Hibiscus tea to support healthy blood pressure
- Pomegranate juice for cardiovascular protection
- Hawthorn (Crataegus), a traditional botanical shown to support circulation, cholesterol balance, and stress response
These recommendations are always personalized to fit your health history and medications.
Advanced Heart and Lung Testing, Right at NUNM
Many people are surprised to learn that NUNM Health Centers offers in-clinic diagnostic testing to support heart and lung care.
EKG (Electrocardiogram) Testing
Measures heart rhythm and electrical activity to evaluate palpitations, arrhythmias, and overall heart function.
Spirometry (Pulmonary Function Testing)
Assesses lung performance for concerns such as asthma, chronic cough, shortness of breath, or COPD.
When needed, we also coordinate:
- Cardiac blood work
- Heart monitoring
- Stress testing
- Echocardiograms (heart ultrasound)
This allows for thorough evaluation without patients needing to navigate fragmented care.
Integrative Support for Chronic Heart Conditions
Patients living with atrial fibrillation, heart failure, or recovering from heart attacks often take multiple medications. Dr. Chan works collaboratively with cardiologists to:
- Explain the role of each medication.
- Address side effects.
- Add supportive naturopathic therapies.
- Create personalized long-term care plans.
The goal is clarity, safety, and empowerment, never guesswork.
Affordable Access to Preventive Testing
NUNM Health Centers offers competitive, lower-cost EKG and spirometry testing, especially for patients paying out-of-pocket. We believe advanced preventive care should be accessible, not out of reach.
Take Action This February
Heart disease is common. Prevention is powerful. Whether you want to check your blood pressure, understand your cholesterol numbers, evaluate palpitations, or build a long-term heart health plan, our team is here to help.
“This Heart Month, take time to care for your heart,” says Dr. Chan. “We’ll meet you where you are and help you move forward.”
Schedule your heart health visit at NUNM Health Centers today and love your heart, naturally.