Abstract

Integrative Cardiology Nutrition as the Cornerstone of Heart Health Stephen Devries, MD Q: What are some of the most common issues related to Stephen Devries, MD, practiced as a university-based clin- heart health that clinicians are encountering in practice for ical cardiologist for 25 years and now focuses on outreach which a preventive and integrative approach would help? for evidence-based integrative approaches to heart health. In Dr. Devries: The heart is the ultimate common pathway this column, Dr. Devries shares his knowledge of an integra- through which myriad inputs pass. Our environment is the tive approach to common heart conditions seen in clinical source of these converging signals, which are, at times, favor- practice, emphasizing the critical role of nutrition. able, but, in turn, can be problematic. Environmental signals affect heart health in so many ways: from the air we breathe; Q: What does integrative cardiology encompass today in the food and water we ingest; and the emotional environment clinical practice? in our social relations. Distressing inputs from any of these sources can present as heart disease, despite the fact that a Stephen Devries: Integrative cardiology maximizes the role patient’s heart is entirely normal, but only trying to adapt