“Cardiovascular and Neurovascular Syndromes Clinical Strategies and Treatment Applications”
Video: My new course – Cardiovascular and Neurovascular Syndromes
Watch More Cardiovascular and Neurovascular Videos Below
Even people who do all the right things can still develop cardiovascular disease …
…due to lesser-known variables that promote atherosclerosis
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death, yet many underlying mechanisms of the disease are little known or actively addressed clinically.
Even people who follow a healthy lifestyle, take supplements, and do various interventions to reduce their risks can still develop cardiovascular disease due to lesser-known variables that promote atherosclerosis.
In this course, I will address not only the obvious risk factors but also the underlying issues in which an otherwise healthy patient develops arterial plaque and other markers of cardiovascular disease.
We will start by going into the various clinical presentations of vascular disease. For instance, some people may have chest pains and angina while others have a heart attack. Some may identify risk factors earlier through a coronary calcium scan.
We will look at the ways cardiovascular health impacts the brain and risks for embolic stroke, ischemic stroke, silent infarcts, brain lesions, microvascular disease, and declining cognitive function.
Vascular disease impacts the peripheral vascular system, causing conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency or peripheral vascular disease. People may have chronic leg or arm pain or varicose veins that become very inflamed.
My goal is for you to clearly understand the many factors that promote injury to the vascular endothelium, atherosclerosis, and hypertension by the end of this course.
We will discuss the published research on the nutraceutical, diet, and lifestyle applications that impact vascular mechanisms. I will show you how do you work a patient up from the minute they walk in.
What are the key things you look for in their medical history?
What kind of labs do you run?
And then most importantly, how do you develop a personalized treatment plan?
In an environment of gut dysbiosis, even traditionally heart-healthy foods such as salmon can trigger blood vessel damage.
Research shows ample fiber consumption and diets such as a vegetarian diet and the Mediterranean diet reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
But why is that?
The foods we eat profoundly impact gut microbiome diversity and health, which in turn affects cardiovascular health. There has been an explosion of research looking at different types of metabolites produced by the gut microbiome and how they affect cardiovascular tissue, specifically blood vessels.
Some of these microbiome metabolites are protective while others are destructive. For instance, dysbiosis as a result of unhealthy diets and lifestyles raises cardiovascular risks.
In an environment of dysbiosis, even traditionally heart-healthy foods such as salmon and cold-water fish can trigger the production of destructive microbiome metabolites that cause significant blood vessel damage.
These metabolites also make foods such as red meat, eggs, and cheese more of a cardiovascular risk. That’s because high L-carnitine and phosphatidylcholine content of these foods makes them susceptible to destructive mechanisms of dysbiosis.
Dysbiosis increases the production of an enzyme called trimethylamine (TMA) lyase, which the liver converts to and inflammatory compound called trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). When TMA levels are elevated, foods traditionally considered heart-healthy, such as salmon, become inflammatory to the vascular system.
Elevated TMAO has been shown to be a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, renal disease, and other conditions.
In the blood vessels, elevated TMA increases platelet hyper responsiveness, vascular inflammation and stiffness, accumulation of cholesterol and oxidized cholesterol at the site of vascular injury, and atherosclerosis.
Did you know the vascular endothelium is now considered part of the endocrine system?
The endothelial cells that line the inside of blood vessels are very hormone-like in their nature. They have receptors for all the different hormones in the body, and they produce growth factors and proteins that significantly impact physiology.
One of the key things to understand about the vascular system is that it is dynamic. It’s remodeling and branching all the time, much in the way the brain is always branching and developing neuronal plasticity.
This constant dynamic activity causes the vascular endothelial cells to release messenger proteins and growth factors to facilitate the delivery of blood, oxygen, nutrients, hormone-signaling agents, immune cells, and other compounds to tissues throughout the body.
The vascular endothelium produces more than 100 key metabolites and growth factors, with more being discovered each year. One of the most studied, for example, is endothelial nitric oxide, which increases blood vessel dilation and blood flow, helps blood vessels heal after injury, and has been shown to reverse heart disease and dissolve plaques.
Blood vessels aren’t just tubes but instead dynamic endocrine tissue
Blood vessels aren’t just tubes but instead dynamic endocrine tissueBlood vessels aren’t just tubes but instead dynamic tissue that functions as endocrine glands. As such, they are prone to the same sorts of injuries as the endocrine system from factors such as inflammation and and oxidative stress.
Atherosclerosis destroys these endothelial cells and their signaling functions, which is why plaquing quickly progresses into a fast feedforward pathway.
When people develop atherosclerosis, and thickening and stiffness of the arteries, they also develop permanent destruction of their vascular endothelial cells.
The mechanisms of how the vascular system controls the dynamics of vascular branching and endothelial function is one of the concepts we will cover in the Kharrazian Institute course on Cardiovascular Clinical Strategies and Treatment Applications.
We will learn how various factors impact endothelial cells and the relationship between endothelial cells, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and maintenance of vascular health.
The pathogenic model of heart disease has gained attention in the peer-reviewed literature…
…yet has not been applied clinically
Many of us have heard stories of someone who is super healthy and fit, has good lab markers, yet has a heart attack or stroke…or they show significant plaquing on a carotid scan.
One of the main mechanisms that cause cardiovascular disease in an otherwise healthy person is the pathogenic model of heart disease. This is an area that has gained an increasing amount of attention in the peer-reviewed literature, but has not been applied clinically.
Examples include:
Gum disease: The bacteria from a porphyromonas gingivalis infection can infiltrate directly into the vascular endothelium, causing arterial plaquing and atherosclerosis.
Chronic chlamydia pneumoniae, which causes a chronic cough.
An H. pylori infection, which often causes chronic heartburn, stomach ulcers, or feeling bloated after eating protein, but can also be asymptomatic. H. pylori is devastating for the vascular endothelium.
Hepatitis C, which is often asymptomatic.
An infection is a greatest threat to the vascular system when it is asymptomatic.
The role of infections in cardiovascular disease is one of the mechanisms we’re going to cover in the upcoming Kharrazian Institute course on Cardiovascular Clinical Strategies and Treatment Applications.
We will go over the different pathogens, the research, how to clinically evaluate each of these pathogens with lab testing, and treatment applications to reduce this risk factor.
An overlooked risk cardiovascular disease risk:
Environmental chemicals that promote atherosclerosis and hypertension
A commonly overlooked area of cardiovascular disease risk is the impact of environmental chemicals on atherosclerosis and hypertension.
Many chemicals act as endocrine-disruptors. They can bind to different receptors that cause sodium retention, increase catecholamine activity, and cause massive vasoconstriction and injury.
They’re also very inflammatory.
One of the most studied chemicals is BPA, which is used in plastics. BPA and phthalates increase the risk for cardiovascular disease.
Epidemiological studies show individuals with the highest amounts of BPA have much greater rates of cardiovascular disease, such as myocardial infarctions and strokes, compared to people with lower levels of BPA.
The good news — the environmental chemical mechanism of heart disease may be modifiable
These mechanisms may be modifiable. For example, a study published out of the Harvard School Public Health found that individuals who consumed one can of tomato soup per day for several weeks had a dramatic increase in BPA levels—these cans are coated with BPA.
Simple lifestyle applications of reducing canned food consumption, not drinking out of plastic water bottles, avoiding drinking through plastic coffee lids, and avoiding foods stored in plastic can reduce BPA levels.
Also, we can measure levels of chemicals in the body and whether these chemicals trigger an inflammatory reaction. We can look at chemical exposure in a patient’s diet and lifestyle.
We can address the pathways of elimination in the body, liver function, and antioxidant status. We can also help patients know what does and doesn’t work to reduce the body burden of toxins.
For instance, BPA-free plastic products are not a better option because they are shown to be even more inflammatory and destructive than BPA in studies.
The environmental chemical component of cardiovascular health is one of the areas we will cover in the Kharrazian Institute course Cardiovascular Clinical Strategies and Treatment Applications.
The brain has a central role in cardiac and blood vessel function
One of the most overlooked pathways for cardiovascular function and blood pressure is the brain-cardiovascular axis. The brain has a central role in both cardiac function and blood vessel function.
Autonomic centers in the brain activate brainstem regions, which then trigger and modulate the atrioventricular node, the sinoatrial node, and the bundle of His that control electrical activity of the heart.
They also control autonomic function associated with vascular constriction and vascular dilation in conjunction with different parts of the endocrine system.
When vascular health is compromised by declining brain-cardiovascular axis function, the constant constriction of blood vessels increases pressure, which begins to damage and destroy the vascular endothelium.
As a result, the vessels lose their ability to release protective compounds such as vascular growth factors and endothelium nitric oxide.
In cases of traumatic brain injury, progressive neurodegenerative diseases, and early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, the brain-cardiovascular axis may be a factor in hypertension and mechanisms for atherosclerosis.
It’s not uncommon for people with past brain injuries or brain degeneration to have patterns of dysautonomia contributing to idiopathic hypertension and atherosclerosis development.
As a clinician, you will sometimes see signs of dysautonomia in your practice. Examples include:
Dilated pupils
Pupil responses that are not efficient or effective
Low heart rate variability
Erratic heart rates
Significant fluctuations of blood pressure throughout the day.
In the Kharrazian Institute course on Cardiovascular Clinical Strategies and Treatment Applications, we cover the relationship between brain autonomic function, idiopathic hypertension, and atherosclerosis.
You identified atherosclerosis — now what?
Most practitioners do not have a step-by-step approach to evaluate the various factors that cause cardiovascular injury.
One of the most important ways to identify cardiovascular risk and atherosclerosis development is with a coronary calcium scan. The higher your number, the larger your risk for not only cardiovascular disease but all-cause mortality.
As someone who has traveled all over the world teaching functional medicine for many years, I am regularly approached by panicked clinicians who shows evidence of plaquing, despite an extremely healthy diet and lifestyle and good blood lab markers.
What most practitioners in both conventional and functional medicine are missing is a step-by-step approach to evaluate all the things that cause cardiovascular injury.
Most know more obvious risk factors such as elevated C reactive protein, hypertension, increased platelet activity, and elevated clotting factor.
However, it’s also important to evaluate factors such as:
Pathogens (H. pylori, Gingivalis, hepatitis C, influenza A)
Environmental chemicals
Insulin surges
Various inflammatory mediators
Gut metabolites
Brain-gut axis issues
Liver function
…and more, which all impact cardiovascular health.
I’ve organized a thorough review of the literature and a step-by-step approach to evaluate all the major factors that can cause vascular injury and how to incorporate clinical applications for the Kharrazian Institute course on Cardiovascular Clinical Strategies and Treatment Applications.
Dr. Kharrazian is a leading expert in diagnosing and treating chronic conditions
Datis Kharrazian, PhD, DHSc, DC, MS, MMSc, FACN, is a Harvard Medical School trained researcher, clinical research scientist, academic professor, and a functional medicine health care provider. Dr. Kharrazian earned a Master of Medical Science degree (MMSc) in Clinical Investigation from Harvard Medical School, and is a member of the Harvard Medical Alumni Association and the American Association of Immunologists.
Today, Dr. Kharrazian’s clinical models of functional medicine are used by several academic institutions, and thousands of health care clinics and practices providers throughout the world.
Dr. Kharrazian consults with patients from all over the world who are seeking non-pharmaceutical alternatives. His practice is focused on developing a personalized medical approach using diet, nutrition, and lifestyle approaches.
After decades of analyzing thousands of studies and working with patients in the United States and Europe, Dr. Kharrazian developed never-taught-before clinical strategies to successfully manage cardiovascular and neurovascular disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do any materials come with this course?
You receive access to all the recorded live videos, presentation slides, published papers, Q&A’s, assessment forms, supplement information, protocols, and all other supporting material for one year after the livestream. This means you can rewatch the recorded lectures as many times as you’d like during this period.
Do I receive continuing education credits for this class?
12 hours of CEs are available for licensed health care practitioners. Please see the bottom of this page for more particulars.
What if I can’t digest all the information at once?
First, you are given pre-class reading material to begin familiarizing yourself with the material. Then, you have access to the recorded lectures and supporting materials for up to three years (depending on when you purchase). This means you can rewatch lectures as many times as you need.
What if I have questions after the class?
When you register you are invited to join a Members Only Kharrazian Institute Facebook group where you can ask questions and discuss cases with other practitioners.
How can patients in my area learn about me and the fact that I have taken this class?
We have created an online practitioner referral page. Licensed practitioners who have completed all of the Kharrazian Institute courses will be added to the list. Patients can search the list to look for practitioners in their area.
What if parts of the class are unfamiliar to me?
All of the Kharrazian Institute classes are designed to complement one another. As you take all the courses over time you will receive an extraordinarily comprehensive functional medicine education. Different pieces of human physiology, neurology, immunology, and endocrinology all fit together like pieces of a puzzle for one comprehensive understanding of patient evaluation and care.
MARK HYMAN, MD
Dr. Kharrazian has been a prominent educator and highly-respected clinician in the functional medicine community since the inception of functional medicine. He is an expert clinician and an innovator in this field.
CLEVELAND CLINIC, DIRECTOR OF CENTER FOR FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE
CHAIRMAN, INSTITUTE FOR FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE
TEN-TIME NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING AUTHOR
JEFFREY BLAND, PHD, FACN, FACB
I have had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Kharrazian for more than a decade and observing his professional growth and impact as a key opinion leader in the field of Functional Neurology. He is voracious in his pursuit of learning and skill development. His pursuit of post-graduate studies at Harvard in research methods has embellished his already significant expertise in systems medicine and its application to Functional Medicine. He has a unique skill in making complex information accessible to his students and patients alike, which is a measure of an individual who is a master of his field. Dr. Kharrazian is a humble, quietly competent leader who leads by example and his presence. The Functional Medicine field is rapidly evolving, and it is through the work and leadership of a select group of professionals, of which Dr. Kharrazian is a recognized leader, that it is growing in both its adoption and successful application to the treatment of complex chronic diseases. It is truly a pleasure to call Dr. Kharrazian both a colleague and friend in our mutual advocacy in the development and application of Functional Medicine.
CO-FOUNDER, INSTITUTE OF FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE
PRESIDENT, PERSONALIZED LIFESTYLE MEDICINE INSTITUTE
Why is Dr. Kharrazian’s cardiovascular course different?
Dr. Kharrazian is an actual clinician who has been successfully treating cardiovascular and neurovascular syndromes in the United States and Europe for more than 20 years.
Dr. Kharrazian has witnessed countless real-life patient scenarios and developed proven strategies to address commonly overlooked issues.
Dr. Kharrazian is both a scientist and an educator.
Dr. Kharrazian has been an innovator in the field of functional medicine since its inception.
Dr. Kharrazian stays continually up-to-date with the latest scientific and medical research.
Dr. Kharrazian was trained as a clinical investigator (Master of Medical Science in Clinical Investigation) at Harvard Medical School and can effectively share with you the most relevant research.
Dr. Kharrazian has published a number of immunology studies in the most respected medical journals in the world.
DAVE PERLMUTTER, MD, FACN, ABIHM
Dr. Kharrazian’s work represents the vanguard in our understanding of the role of lifestyle choices in charting the brain’s destiny. His highly effective educational outreach has opened the door for countless healthcare providers, allowing them to dramatically increase their effectiveness in treating and indeed preventing so many of the pernicious conditions that plague our modern society.
AUTHOR, #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING BOOK,
GRAIN BRAIN AND BRAIN MAKER
KELLY BROGAN, MD, ABIHM
Dr. Datis Kharrazian is one of the most powerful clinicians of our time. From the lab to the clinic, he has studied, vetted, and applied his cutting-edge science to heal patients all over the world. I consider him to be a foremost authority in a systems approach to recovery and wellness.
AUTHOR, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING BOOK, A MIND OF YOUR OWN
TERRY WAHLS, MD, IFMCP
Dr. Kharrazian is a brilliant clinician educator who has inspired many, myself included. He is superb at teaching clinicians the power of using functional medicine-oriented history and physical examination to understand and address the root causes of disease and health. Integrating the latest research and years of clinical experience, Dr. Kharrazian, is an international leader in Functional Medicine.
NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLING AUTHOR OF THE WAHLS PROTOCOL – HOW I BEAT
PROGRESSIVE MS USING PALEO PRINCIPLES AND FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE
CLINICAL PROFESSOR OF MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF IOWA, CARVER COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
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Cardiovascular and Neurovascular Syndromes Clinical Strategies and Treatment Applications
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ON DEMAND Registration
Cardiovascular and Neurovacular Syndromes Course
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Testimonials about the Kharrazian Institute courses
More testimonials
PEDRAM SHOJAI, OMD
Dr. Kharrazian is one of the greatest minds in the functional medicine space. He’s a trailblazer and an innovator. His courses are gold and his direction is wise. If you’re in healthcare and are ready to be on the right side of history, study with this man.
AUTHOR, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING BOOK, THE URBAN MONK
FOUNDER OF WELL.ORG
DAVID MUSNICK, MD
Dr. Kharrazian is one of the most skilled Functional medicine practitioners in the country. His understanding of interrelationships in physiology puts him in the top tier of Functional Medicine writers and educators in this country.
FACULTY OF THE INSTITUTE FOR FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE
NORA GEDGAUDAS, CNS, NTP, BCHN
Datis Kharrazian is truly among the great medical geniuses of our time. His capacity to think outside the box is second to none. He brings cutting-edge insights to the table that others have missed along the way and for this we should be eternally grateful.
AUTHOR, PRIMAL BODY, PRIMAL MIND AND PRIMAL FAT BURNER
ELIZABETH BOHAM, MD, RD
Dr. Kharrazian is a leader in functional medicine, always looking to discover the root cause of illness or dysfunction in the body and, most importantly, uncovering novel therapies to improve optimal function.
MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF THE ULTRAWELLNESS CENTER
MARK FLANNERY, DC, MS, BS
Dr. Kharrazian’s education gave me the knowledge and confidence to take on complicated chronic cases. I would not have the patient success I have without the information I gained from Dr. Kharrazian. I have taken many seminars by many different doctors but I could not do what I do without the knowledge I gained from Dr. Kharrazian.
DIRECTOR OF HEALTH WISE CLINICAL NUTRITION
JOSHUA REDD, DC, MS
Dr. Kharrazian’s education has been pivotal in every aspect of my practice. His curriculum has been my foundation for building seven thriving functional medicine clinics. I couldn’t ask for a more rewarding career path.
FOUNDER OF RED RIVER HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER
AUTHOR, THE TRUTH ABOUT LOW THYROID
SHANE STEADMAN, DC, DACNB, DCBCN, CNS
In the last decade, I have seen Dr. Kharrazian change the landscape of healthcare. His ability to integrate functional medicine, immunology, and neurology is second to none. Individuals like Dr. Kharrazian come around once in a lifetime. I could not be more honored to learn from him and consider him to be a wonderful mentor. I sincerely believe the Kharrazian Institute will continue to evolve health care.
DIRECTOR, INTEGRATED HEALTH SYSTEMS AND INTEGRATED BRAIN CENTERS
