Testing & Tracking
APOB vs LDL — The Right Atherogenic Marker
Apolipoprotein B (apoB) is the structural protein on every atherogenic lipoprotein particle — LDL, VLDL, IDL, chylomicron remnants, and lipoprotein(a). Each of these particles carries exactly one apoB molecule, which means circulating apoB…
Cleerly / AI-Analyzed CT Coronary Angiography
Cleerly is an AI-powered analysis platform applied to coronary CT angiography (CCTA), the contrast-enhanced cardiac CT that visualizes both calcified and non-calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. Where coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring…
Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Scoring
Coronary artery calcium scoring is a non-contrast CT scan of the heart that quantifies calcified atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary arteries. The Agatston score, derived from the area and density of calcified deposits, has been the standard…
Lipoprotein(a) — Testing and Management
Lipoprotein(a), abbreviated Lp(a) and pronounced "L-P-little-a," is an LDL-like lipoprotein particle with a specific protein attachment — apolipoprotein(a) — that makes it independently atherogenic. Roughly 20% of the global population — about 1.4…
Compounds & Therapies
Bempedoic Acid (Nexletol)
Bempedoic acid is the first ATP-citrate lyase inhibitor approved for clinical use, and the first oral non-statin to demonstrate cardiovascular outcome benefit in a large randomized trial. It lowers LDL cholesterol by inhibiting ATP-citrate lyase…
Citrulline (L-Citrulline)
Amino acid nitric oxide precursor for vascular function and athletic performance
CoQ10 (Ubiquinone) & Ubiquinol
A mitochondrial cofactor supporting energy production, cardiovascular health, and statin-related outcomes
Curcumin & Turmeric Extract
A powerful polyphenol supporting inflammatory control and antioxidant defense, with bioavailability optimization required
Fish Oil (Omega-3 Fatty Acids)
Essential omega-3 fatty acids supporting cardiovascular, neurological, and inflammatory health globally
Follistatin (FST-344)
Follistatin is a glycoprotein that binds and neutralizes myostatin (GDF-8), activin A, and several bone morphogenetic proteins. Because myostatin is the dominant brake on skeletal-muscle growth, blocking myostatin produces dramatic muscle…
Inclisiran (Leqvio)
Inclisiran is a small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapeutic that silences the production of PCSK9 in the liver. Functionally, the result is the same as the monoclonal antibody PCSK9 inhibitors (evolocumab, alirocumab): more LDL receptors on hepatocyte…
L-Carnitine Tartrate (LCLT)
Overview L-Carnitine L-tartrate (LCLT) is the form used in the majority of exercise science research. The tartrate salt enhances absorption speed, making it well-suited for pre/post-exercise applications. LCLT is distinct from ALCAR (cognitive/neurological) and PLC (cardiovascular) — its…
Lovaza and Vascepa: How the Two Prescription Omega-3s Differ from Each Other and from OTC Fish Oil and Krill Oil
Two prescription omega-3s are commonly confused. Lovaza (EPA+DHA) treats severe hypertriglyceridemia; Vascepa (pure EPA) is the only one with cardiovascular outcomes evidence. Plus: where OTC fish oil and krill oil fit, and the dose-dependent atrial fibrillation signal.
Magnesium
An essential mineral supporting energy production, relaxation, and cardiovascular health across multiple forms
Nattokinase — Fibrinolytic Enzyme Supplement
Nattokinase is a serine protease enzyme extracted from natto, the traditional Japanese fermented soybean food. It was discovered and characterized by Sumi and colleagues in 1987 as the active fibrinolytic constituent in natto, with strong in vitro…
Neprinol
Proprietary systemic enzyme blend for proteolytic and fibrinolytic support
Quercetin
Bioflavonoid antioxidant and senolytic candidate with emerging longevity research
Red Yeast Rice
Red yeast rice is rice fermented with the mold Monascus purpureus. The fermentation produces a family of natural-product polyketides called monacolins, the most clinically relevant of which is monacolin K. Monacolin K is identical in chemical…
Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators (SPMs)
Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) are a family of bioactive lipid mediators derived enzymatically from omega-3 fatty acids — primarily EPA and DHA. They include the resolvins (E-series from EPA, D-series from DHA), protectins (from DHA),…
Statins
Most prescribed drugs globally; approved for primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention
Taurine
Conditionally essential amino acid for cardiac, neurological, and metabolic support
Telmisartan
ARB with unique PPAR-gamma activation; off-label optimization use emerging
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid / Pantethine)
Overview Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) is the biosynthetic precursor to coenzyme A (CoA), which participates in over 70 metabolic reactions including fatty acid synthesis and oxidation, the Krebs cycle, steroid hormone production, and acetylcholine synthesis. The derivative pantethine has the…
Vitamin D3
Secosteroid hormone precursor for skeletal, immune, and metabolic health
Vitamin K2 (MK-7)
Menaquinone-7 for bone mineralization and vascular health with critical warfarin interactions
Procedures & Modalities
Compression Therapy
Device-regulated; clinical use for venous insufficiency; athletic recovery use emerging and less regulated
Hot Tub & Hydrotherapy
Unregulated practice; evidence for muscle relaxation and stress reduction; hygiene standards vary
Niacinamide (Topical)
Well-tolerated cosmetic ingredient; anti-inflammatory and barrier support
Sauna (Dry & Steam)
Unregulated wellness practice; evidence for cardiovascular and heat stress adaptation benefits
VO2max Maximization Protocols
Maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) is the single most predictive fitness metric for all-cause mortality across multiple population studies — more predictive than smoking, hypertension, diabetes, or any other commonly measured risk factor. Each one-MET…
Protocols & Reference
Practices & Lifestyle
ACE Inhibitors (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors): A Practical Guide
Overview Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are a class of antihypertensive medications that block the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II by the ACE enzyme, thereby reducing vasoconstriction, decreasing aldosterone secretion, and lowering blood pressure. They are among…
Anthocyanins: A Practical Guide
Overview Anthocyanins are a class of water-soluble flavonoid polyphenols responsible for the red, purple, and blue pigments in berries, cherries, grapes, red cabbage, and black rice. They are among the most bioactive dietary polyphenols, with particularly strong evidence for cardiovascular…
ARBs (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers): A Practical Guide
Overview Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are a class of antihypertensive drugs that block the AT1 receptor (angiotensin II type 1 receptor), preventing angiotensin II from exerting its vasoconstrictor, pro-fibrotic, and pro-inflammatory effects — without affecting ACE activity or…
Astragalus: A Practical Guide
Overview Astragalus membranaceus (Huang Qi) is one of the most fundamental herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, used for over 2,000 years as a tonic for "Qi deficiency"—fatigue, immune weakness, and susceptibility to illness. Its primary bioactive compounds include polysaccharides…
Bergamot Extract (BPF)
Bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF) is a standardized extract of the peel and juice of Citrus bergamia, the same fruit responsible for the flavor of Earl Grey tea. The bioactive content is dominated by flavonoid glycosides — neohesperidin,…
Beta-Blockers and Aging: A Practical Guide
Overview Beta-adrenergic receptor blockers (beta-blockers) are a class of medications that competitively block catecholamine (epinephrine, norepinephrine) binding at beta-adrenergic receptors (β1, β2, β3). They are among the oldest and most widely prescribed cardiovascular drug classes, with…
Calcium: A Practical Guide
Overview Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body, with roughly 99% stored in bone and teeth and 1% circulating in serum, intracellular fluid, and soft tissues. It is essential for skeletal integrity, neuromuscular function, cardiac rhythmicity, vascular smooth-muscle tone…
Citrus Bioflavonoids: A Practical Guide
Overview Citrus bioflavonoids are a family of polyphenolic flavonoids abundantly found in citrus fruits—particularly in the peel, pith, and segments. Major compounds include hesperidin (found in oranges), naringenin and naringin (grapefruit), diosmin (lemon), eriocitrin (lemon juice), and…
Cocoa Flavanols: A Practical Guide
Overview Cocoa flavanols are a specific subclass of flavonoids found in Theobroma cacao—primarily epicatechin and catechin monomers, as well as their oligomeric procyanidin forms (B1–B4). Flavanol content varies enormously across cocoa products depending on fermentation, roasting, and…
CoQ10 / Ubiquinol: A Practical Guide
At a Glance Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10, also known as ubiquinone) is a fat-soluble quinone that functions as a critical
Curcumin: A Practical Guide
At a Glance Curcumin is the principal bioactive polyphenol in turmeric (Curcuma longa), responsible for its characteristic yellow color and
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid): A Practical Guide
Overview Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a 22-carbon omega-3 fatty acid with 6 double bonds (22:6n-3), the most structurally complex and biologically specialized of the long-chain omega-3 PUFAs. It is the dominant structural fatty acid in the brain (gray matter comprises ~40% DHA) and the retina…
EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid): A Practical Guide
Overview Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is a long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) with a 20-carbon backbone and 5 double bonds (20:5n-3). It is one of the two primary bioactive marine omega-3s (alongside DHA), found in fatty fish, algae, and marine oils. EPA serves as the…
Garlic (Allicin): A Practical Guide
Overview Garlic (Allium sativum) has one of the longest histories of medicinal use in human civilization—documented in Egyptian papyri, ancient Chinese medicine, and Hippocratic texts. Its primary bioactive compound, allicin (diallyl thiosulfinate), is formed enzymatically when raw garlic is…
GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid): A Practical Guide
Overview Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an 18-carbon omega-6 fatty acid with 3 double bonds (18:3n-6) that represents the first elongation/desaturation step downstream of linoleic acid (LA). Unlike the pro-inflammatory arachidonic acid (AA) pathway that dominates most omega-6 metabolism, GLA is…
Grape Seed Extract: A Practical Guide
Overview Grape seed extract (GSE) is derived from the seeds of Vitis vinifera (wine grapes) and is highly concentrated in
Hawthorn: A Practical Guide
Overview Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna, C. laevigata, C. oxyacantha) is one of the most important cardiovascular botanicals in European herbal medicine, with documented use for heart health dating to the 10th century. Its berries, leaves, and flowers contain oligomeric procyanidins (OPCs)…
High-Dose Niacin for Lipids
Niacin (nicotinic acid, vitamin B3) at pharmacologic doses (typically 1,500-2,000 mg/day) has substantial effects on the lipid profile — raising HDL by 15-35%, lowering triglycerides by 20-50%, lowering LDL by 5-25%, and lowering lipoprotein(a) by…
Krill Oil: A Practical Guide
Overview Krill oil is extracted from Euphausia superba, a small Antarctic crustacean that occupies a foundational position in the marine food web. Like fish oil, krill oil is rich in EPA and DHA, but it differs fundamentally in how these omega-3s are packaged: approximately 40–65% of krill oil…
L-Arginine
Category: Amino Acids Tags: Amino Acids, Nitric Oxide, Cardiovascular, Blood Pressure, Erectile Function Key Takeaways - Arginine is the primary substrate for endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and a key driver of nitric oxide (NO)-mediated vasodilation — but citrulline achieves superior…
Low-Dose Colchicine for Cardiovascular Inflammation
Colchicine is an alkaloid extracted from autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale), with documented medical use for over 2,000 years. Its modern indications include acute and prophylactic gout, familial Mediterranean fever, and pericarditis. Over the past…
Lycopene: A Practical Guide
Overview Lycopene is a carotenoid pigment responsible for the red color of tomatoes, watermelon, pink grapefruit, guava, and papaya. Unlike beta-carotene, lycopene has no provitamin A activity. It is the most potent singlet oxygen quencher among dietary carotenoids—approximately twice as…
Magnesium: A Practical Guide
At a Glance Magnesium is an essential mineral and cofactor in over 300 enzymatic reactions, including ATP synthesis, DNA replication
Olive Leaf Extract: A Practical Guide
Overview Olive leaf extract (OLE) is derived from the leaves of Olea europaea and is highly concentrated in oleuropein—a bitter secoiridoid glycoside—along with hydroxytyrosol, verbascoside, and other biophenols. Oleuropein is hydrolyzed in the gut to hydroxytyrosol (the most bioavailable…
Omega-3 & Fish Oil: A Practical Guide
At a Glance Omega-3 fatty acids — specifically EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) — are long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids found primarily in marine sources, with the most extensive evidence base of any dietary supplement for cardiovascular health. Triglyceride…
PCSK9 Inhibitors: A Practical Guide
Overview PCSK9 inhibitors are a class of biologic agents (monoclonal antibodies) that block proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) — a circulating protein that promotes degradation of LDL receptors (LDLRs) on the surface of hepatocytes. By inhibiting PCSK9, these drugs prevent…
Plant Sterols & Stanols: A Practical Guide
Overview Plant sterols (phytosterols) and their saturated analogs, stanols (phytostanols), are naturally occurring structural components of plant cell membranes that are chemically similar to cholesterol—the key difference being a methyl or ethyl group at carbon-24. They occur naturally in…
Potassium: A Practical Guide
Overview Potassium is the primary intracellular cation, with ~98% residing inside cells at concentrations of 140–150 mEq/L, compared to a tightly regulated serum concentration of 3.5–5.0 mEq/L. It is fundamental to resting membrane potential, cardiac rhythm, skeletal and smooth-muscle…
Propionyl-L-Carnitine (PLC): A Practical Guide
Overview Propionyl-L-carnitine (PLC; also known as glycine propionyl-L-carnitine or GPLC in some formulations) is an esterified form of L-carnitine in which a propionyl group is attached to the 3-hydroxyl of L-carnitine. Unlike standard L-carnitine (which facilitates long-chain fatty acid…
Pycnogenol: A Practical Guide
Overview Pycnogenol is a patented, standardized extract from the bark of the French maritime pine (Pinus pinaster), manufactured by Horphag Research. It is a complex mixture of procyanidins (oligomeric proanthocyanidins), catechins, phenolic acids (ferulic acid, caffeic acid), and taxifolin.
Statins vs PCSK9 Inhibitors vs Bempedoic Acid vs Inclisiran
Modern lipid management has four major pharmacological pillars: statins (the dominant first-line therapy), PCSK9 inhibitor monoclonal antibodies (evolocumab and alirocumab, the most potent LDL-lowering option), bempedoic acid (the newer non-statin…
Vitamin D3 + K2: A Practical Guide
At a Glance Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is a fat-soluble prohormone produced in skin upon UVB exposure and found in
Vitamin E (Tocopherols & Tocotrienols): A Practical Guide
Overview Vitamin E is a family of eight fat-soluble antioxidant compounds: four tocopherols (alpha, beta, gamma, delta) and four tocotrienols (alpha, beta, gamma, delta). Alpha-tocopherol is the most biologically active form in humans and the primary form measured in serum. It is the only form…
Vitamin K1 (Phylloquinone): A Practical Guide
Overview Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is the primary dietary form of vitamin K, synthesized by plants and found abundantly in leafy green vegetables. It is distinct from vitamin K2 (menaquinones), which is covered in a separate monograph. Vitamin K is essential for the carboxylation of glutamate…
Zone 2 Training: A Practical Guide
At a Glance Zone 2 training refers to sustained aerobic exercise performed at a low to moderate intensity — roughly 60–70% of maximum heart rate — where energy production relies predominantly on fat oxidation via mitochondrial aerobic pathways and blood lactate remains in the range of 1.5–2…