The Growing Epidemic
Chronic disease conditions are highly prevalent in the United States, and have continued to increase at an exponential rate over the past two decades with no indication of slowing. According to the CDC, as of 2021, approximately 6 in 10 adults in the U.S. have at least one chronic disease, and 4 in 10 adults have two or more chronic diseases. Chronic diseases are also responsible for 90% of the nation’s healthcare spending, and they account for a significant portion of disability and mortality in the United States.
The rampant increase in chronic diseases is influenced by a multitude of factors including lifestyle (which I believe to be the primary mediator), genetics, and socioeconomic status. However, with the vast majority of these chronic disease conditions there is one consistent, yet overlooked principle. These conditions are preventable.
Prevention structured through targeted lifestyle therapies, frequent and comprehensive screening, and early treatment interventions have proven to be highly effective at mitigating an individuals risk of chronic diseases. Nonetheless, it’s not lost on me that genetics and socioeconomic status do play a causal role in the onset of select chronic disease conditions, but to simplify this discussion, we will primarily be investigating the influence of an individuals lifestyle and the direct relationship with chronic disease conditions.
The Continuum of Chronic Disease Conditions
In order to fully conceptualize the concept that these chronic diseases exist on a health continuum, we need to first have an understanding of a phenomena called the compounding effect.
The compounding effect refers to the cumulative impact of small changes or actions that occur over time, resulting in significant outcomes or consequence. It is the notion that small, consistent actions, when repeated or accumulated, can have a multiplied or exponential effect, leading to notable results that may not have been achievable through a single, isolated action. Monthly contributions to a 401k is a good example of this phenomena. When someone retires with a robust amount of retirement savings, this wasn’t the result of just a year of calculated investing. More than likely this individual has been mindfully investing for 20-30 years. This same concept can be extrapolated to an individuals health.
Let’s use atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease as an example.
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a condition where plaque accumulates in the arteries, leading to narrowing and hardening of the arteries. Over time, this can result in reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, which can ultimately lead to a heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction. The compounding effect of ASCVD refers to the progressive nature of the disease, where risk factors and plaque accumulation can interact and accumulate over time.
Here’s how the compounding effect of ASCVD can lead to a heart attack:
- Risk factor accumulation: Risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to the development and progression of ASCVD. These risk factors, if left unmanaged, can accumulate over time and increase the burden of plaque in the arteries.
- Plaque formation: Plaque is a buildup of cholesterol, fatty substances, calcium, and other materials that accumulate in the walls of arteries, forming a thickened layer. Initially, the plaque may not cause significant narrowing of the arteries, but over time, it can grow in size and obstruct blood flow.
- Arterial narrowing: As the plaque accumulates, it can cause the arteries to narrow, reducing the blood flow to the heart muscle. This narrowing can gradually worsen, leading to reduced oxygen and nutrient supply to the heart muscle.
- Reduced blood flow to the heart: Reduced blood flow to the heart muscle can result in inadequate oxygen supply, which can cause chest pain or angina. If the blood flow is severely compromised, it can lead to damage or death of the heart muscle cells, resulting in a heart attack.
- Plaque rupture and blood clot formation: In some cases, the plaque in the arteries can become unstable and rupture, leading to the formation of a blood clot (thrombus). The blood clot can further block the narrowed artery and completely cut off blood flow to a portion of the heart muscle, leading to a heart attack.
The end result of ASCVD occurs suddenly, but we know that the physiological processes that proceed a myocardial infarction have been at work for decades.
Proactive Healthcare in Kansas
Proactive healthcare is a novel approach to health optimization that emphasizes lifestyle therapies, frequent and comprehensive screening, and early treatment interventions to mitigate an individuals risk of chronic disease. It involves taking an active role in one’s own health and making proactive decisions to maintain optimal health and counteract the compounding nature of chronic disease conditions.
Proactive healthcare typically includes a range of healthy lifestyle habits that are known to have a positive impact on health. These may include:
- Exercise Prescriptions: Engaging in regular and structured exercise is associated with numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, weight management, increased strength and flexibility, and reduced risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and certain cancers.
- Nutritional Modifications: Eating a balanced and nutritious diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can provide the essential nutrients needed for optimal health. It can help maintain a healthy weight, manage chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, and support overall well-being.
- Sleep Optimization: Getting 7-8 hours of high quality sleep regular basis is crucial for overall health and well-being. It is associated with improved cognitive function, emotional well-being, immune function, and a decrease risk of almost all chronic disease conditions.
- Stress Management: Chronic stress can have negative impacts on health, so practicing effective stress management techniques such as relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and other stress-reducing activities can help prevent stress-related health issues.
Longevity Medicine in Kansas City, Wichita, Lawrence and Overland Park
Longevity Medicine work synergistically with a proactive approach to health by using therapeutic strategies to optimize health and prevent disease which has a direct relationship with both healthspan and lifespan. This blend recognizes that aging is not an inevitable process, but rather a complex and dynamic phenomenon that can be influenced by nutrition, exercise, lifestyle and early treatment interventions. By adopting proactive health measures early in life and integrating targeted longevity interventions, individuals can potentially improve their healthspan, which is the period of healthy and functional living, and extend their lifespan.
EvoHealth Kansas Functional Medicine
Why choose EvoHealth Kansas Functional Medicine for chronic disease prevention?
EvoHealth is committed to providing personalized care that focuses on the unique needs of each patient. From mood disorders to hormone imbalances, gut issues to longevity services, We are here for you. Dr. Tanner Wilson, DC, IFMCP is a highly trained Institute of Functional Medicine Certified Provider that has additional education in longevity health and proactive health strategies that is dedicated to staying up-to-date on the latest research and treatment options in longevity medicine. Patients who choose EvoHealth Kansas Functional Medicine can expect:
- Personalized care: Each patient is unique, and their care should reflect that. EvoHealth Kansas offers personalized treatment plans that are tailored to each patient’s individual needs and goals.
- Advanced lifestyle therapies: EvoHealth Kansas uses the most advanced therapies and treatments available to support longevity and promote optimal health.
- Convenient location: EvoHealth Kansas Functional Medicine is a telehealth practice that offers comprehensive functional & longevity medicine services to Kansans statewide.
If you’re wanting to take a more proactive approach to maximize both healthspan and lifespan call to schedule your Free Consultation today! (785) 448 8796