Naturopathic Cardiology and Pulmonology at NUNM Health Centers
At NUNM Health Centers, Dr. Lai Chim Chan, ND, blends natural medicine with modern diagnostics as a general practice physician with advanced expertise in cardiac and pulmonary care. She helps patients understand their heart and lung health, manage chronic conditions, and explore naturopathic options alongside conventional treatment.
A Practice Focused on Heart and Lung Health
While Dr. Chan sees patients of all ages for general primary care, about 20 percent of her practice focuses on cardiology and pulmonology. Common conditions she treats include:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Atrial fibrillation and other heart rhythm concerns
- Heart palpitations
- Heart failure
- Chronic cough, asthma, and COPD
Many patients come to Dr. Chan looking for alternatives or complements to pharmaceutical medications, especially when medications cause side effects or don’t feel like the right long-term solution. She works closely with patients to safely integrate herbs, supplements, nutrition, and lifestyle changes with their existing medical care.
“I’m trained in both naturopathic and conventional cardiology approaches,” Dr. Chan explains. “That allows me to help patients understand their medications while also exploring supportive natural therapies.”
In-Clinic Diagnostic Services
One thing that sets NUNM Health Centers apart is access to on-site diagnostic testing that supports comprehensive evaluation.
Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG testing)
If a patient experiences heart palpitations or concerns about heart rhythm, Dr. Chan can perform an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) right in the clinic. Small adhesive sensors are placed on the chest to measure the heart’s electrical activity. The test provides information about:
- Heart rate and rhythm
- Whether the heart is receiving adequate blood flow
- Possible heart enlargement
“This is a simple, painless test that gives us valuable insight,” says Dr. Chan. “It helps us determine whether symptoms are due to a true heart problem or another cause.”
Pulmonary Function Testing (Spirometry)
For patients with breathing concerns, cough, wheezing, asthma, or COPD, Dr. Chan offers spirometry testing. This in-office test measures how well the lungs move air in and out, helping guide treatment decisions.
Coordinated, Whole-Heart Care
When needed, Dr. Chan can also order additional cardiac testing, including:
- Blood work
- Heart monitors
- Stress tests
- Echocardiograms (heart ultrasounds)
- CT scans to evaluate plaque of blood vessels going to the heart
While some of these tests occur at partner facilities, Dr. Chan coordinates results and creates a clear care plan for each patient.
She also works with many patients living with heart failure or recovering from heart attacks. These patients often take multiple medications prescribed by cardiologists. Dr. Chan helps them understand why those medications matter, when they are essential, and how naturopathic therapies can support overall heart function.
Training the Next Generation of Heart and Lung Specialists
Dr. Chan is not only a clinician. She is also the Associate Professor of Cardiology and Pulmonology at NUNM, teaching students how to understand, assess, and treat heart and lung disease.
Students learn:
- The pathophysiology of heart and lung conditions
- Case-based clinical problem-solving
- Emergency cardiac and pulmonary care in simulation labs
- Hands-on skills such as EKG interpretation
“It’s rewarding to watch students take what they’ve learned and apply it directly to patient care,” Dr. Chan says.
NUNM Health Centers is one of only two clinics in Portland offering naturopathic cardiology and pulmonology services, including EKG and spirometry testing. Dr. Chan emphasizes training students to read EKGs because few naturopathic physicians receive this specialized instruction.
Why Dr. Chan Chose Cardiology
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. For Dr. Chan, the work is personal.
“Heart disease runs in my family,” she shares. “I wanted to help others prevent a condition that is often avoidable with the right support.”
Affordable Diagnostic Care
NUNM Health Centers offers lower-cost EKG and spirometry testing compared to many local clinics, especially for patients paying out of pocket. By prioritizing affordability, the clinic makes advanced diagnostic care more accessible to the community.
Schedule with Dr. Chan
Whether you’re managing a heart condition, concerned about blood pressure or cholesterol, experiencing palpitations, or simply want a proactive check-in on heart and lung health, Dr. Chan offers thoughtful, evidence-informed, patient-centered care.
Schedule an appointment and take the next step toward whole-heart wellness.