What is whole heart health? This concept refers to an integrative approach of both maintaining and optimizing heart health through awareness of how physical, emotional, mental and lifestyle factors affect it. This perspective is rooted in Eastern medicine, and has been practiced for centuries. Eastern modalities such as Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda are known as “whole” models of medicine that treat each body as a holistic compilation, rather than isolating a specific organ or system as dysfunctional.   

Traditional Eastern Medicine considers the root of imbalances within a body and how they affect specific organs and systems for better or worse. Then, strategies are applied to reset those imbalances. These strategies can include modalities such as Acupuncture and botanical remedies, as well as lifestyle and dietary advice—much like modern functional medicine. One might refer to Traditional Eastern medicine as the original functional medicine.   

This Eastern medicine approach also takes into account the mental and emotional state of each patient. Modern research shows that mental or emotional stress can cause negative physical effects on the body, including cardiovascular dysfunction. Given this ancient Eastern wisdom, should we put aside the modern tests, modalities, and treatment management of conventional Western Medicine?  

Within the framework of an authentic integrative model, a practitioner would utilize all modalities for the best results. In doing so, the patient can have a choice rather than simply being prescribed a slate of drugs to keep their symptoms in check. Remember, there is a time and a place for management, medications, surgeries, and implanted machinery, as well as a time for personal choice and the option of more conservative management. Neither approach rules out the other. In fact, the best scenario occurs when all practitioners involved in the care of a patient can work together for the healthiest possible outcome.   

Let’s look specifically at how emotional issues—like stress, depression, anxiety and unresolved trauma—can affect both physical and functional heart health. Long-term stress is one of the most significant emotional factors impacting heart health. Chronic stress activates the “fight or flight” response and releases hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones elevate heart rate and blood pressure, which can damage blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease over time. Inflammation can also contribute to atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries due to plaque buildup), which further increases the risk of heart attack or stroke.  

Depression is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. For those with existing heart disease, depression is associated with worse outcomes such as higher rates of hospitalization, complications, and mortality. There is also evidence that depression could affect the autonomic nervous system, which regulates involuntary functions like heart rate, digestion, and circulation. This dysfunction can impair blood flow to the heart and other organs, which can ultimately exacerbate the risk of heart attack. 

Anxiety can lead to physical symptoms like heart palpitations, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Anxiety releases stress hormones, leading to an elevated heart rate and hyperventilation, which can reduce oxygen levels in the blood and increase the workload on the heart. Trauma—especially when unresolved—can cause physiological responses like chronic inflammation, high cortisol levels, and autonomic dysregulation (the ANS, controls heart rate, blood pressure, and blood vessel function). All of these negatively impact heart health.  

The heart-brain axis refers to complex communication between the heart and brain. Emotional stress affects the heart by influencing the brain's regulation of the autonomic nervous system. The vagus nerve, which is part of the parasympathetic nervous system, also has a key role in maintaining heart rate. Emotional stress can impact the vagus nerve and increase your heart rate, elevating the risk of cardiovascular events. 

The goal is to minimize stress if you can and practice modalities or activities that encourage stress relief such as exercise, meditation, acupuncture, chiropractic, or massage. In fact, acupuncture itself targets the vagus nerve to increase homeostasis. 

Find a healthcare team that will incorporate multiple strategies to meet the wellness goals that you develop together. Do not rule out any specific modality—even drugs and surgeries. If you need these approaches, it is not safe or wise to ignore medical advice just because it makes you uncomfortable. And remember, every individual is just that, an individual. There is no one-size-fits-all wellness plan. Your team’s job is to effectively understand you as an individual and create a protocol tailored to you. Seek out practitioners that make you feel heard, seen, and supported. Cheers to achieving and maintaining whole heart health.  

Dr. Captain is a highly skilled expert in the field of Acupuncture. She has performed over 200,000 patient treatments in her career which spans over two decades. In addition to lecturing and teaching across the country and globe, her practice in Sarasota serves as a training facility for healthcare practitioners all over the U.S. and internationally. Dr. Captain's knowledge and enthusiasm for wellness has earned her a nationwide reputation as a qualified lecturer, keynote speaker, and expert teacher. For more information, visit https://www.sarasotacenterforacupunctureandnutrition.com/ or call 941-951-1119.