Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S., with someone suffering a heart attack every 40 seconds. For decades, cholesterol was blamed as the primary cause—but research now shows that chronic inflammation is the real driving force behind heart disease.
CHD develops when plaque builds up in the arteries, narrowing the vessels that supply the heart. While procedures like stents, bypass surgery, and clot-busting drugs treat symptoms and emergencies, they don’t address what’s causing the damage in the first place.
Inflammation rises when the body is exposed to poor diet, oxidative stress, environmental toxins, unhealthy fats, sleep deprivation, alcohol, smoking, and high sugar intake. Even the U.S. Dietary Guidelines now state that cholesterol is not a nutrient of concern—but recommend limiting sugar, which is a major promoter of inflammation.
Clinical trials show that even individuals with a genetic predisposition to heart disease can significantly reduce their risk with a healthy lifestyle rich in whole foods, vegetables, movement, and minimal processed grains.
Important labs for assessing heart disease risk include:
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HS-CRP (inflammation marker)
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Cholesterol ratios (HDL/cholesterol, triglyceride/HDL)
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Fasting insulin & fasting glucose
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Iron levels (excess increases oxidative stress)
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Homocysteine (high levels can damage arterial walls)
A heart-healthy lifestyle begins with reducing refined sugar, alcohol, and grains—and embracing a more whole-food, paleo- or keto-style eating pattern to lower inflammation naturally.