By Dr. Bikram Ratti MBBS (London) MRCGP – Private GP and Medical Doctor at The Doctor’s Practice, Birmingham
Cardiovascular health is one of the most critical aspects of men’s well-being, yet it often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among men, but the good news is that innovative advancements and proactive strategies can significantly reduce the risk.
At The Doctor’s Practice, I take a comprehensive, personalised approach to men’s heart health, helping patients understand their risks and implement effective prevention strategies.
Personalised Heart Health: Moving Beyond One-Size-Fits-All
Gone are the days of generic heart health advice. With advancements in genetic research and precision medicine, we can now offer tailored risk assessments based on individual genetic markers, lifestyle, and metabolic factors.
🔹 Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS)
By analysing multiple genes linked to heart disease, PRS can help determine an individual’s genetic predisposition to cardiovascular conditions. This allows for customised lifestyle modifications and early interventions.
🔹 Advanced Blood Testing
Beyond traditional cholesterol checks, new biomarkers like lipoprotein(a), high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP), and apolipoproteins offer a more detailed picture of cardiovascular health.
🔹 Personalised Prevention Plans
With this information, I create individualised plans that go beyond basic diet and exercise recommendations, ensuring each patient gets the most effective guidance for long-term heart health.
📖 Clinical Research: A 2023 study in the European Heart Journal found that genetic risk assessments, combined with personalised interventions, led to a 30% reduction in heart disease risk among high-risk individuals.
The Role of Wearable Technology in Heart Health
Technology is revolutionising how men monitor and manage their cardiovascular wellness. Wearable devices now offer real-time tracking, providing valuable insights into heart function.
✔ Heart Rate & Rhythm Tracking
Smartwatches and fitness trackers can detect abnormal heart rhythms, irregular heartbeats, and atrial fibrillation (AFib). Identifying these early can prevent complications before they arise.
✔ Activity & Fitness Monitoring
Tracking daily movement, steps, and exercise patterns ensures that cardiovascular fitness goals are met.
✔ Sleep & Recovery Insights
Poor sleep is linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Wearables track sleep quality and stress levels, helping patients make adjustments for optimal heart function.
📖 Clinical Research: A 2023 report in the British Journal of Cardiology confirmed that patients using wearable technology for heart health saw a 25% improvement in cardiovascular risk factors over two years.
Innovative Medications: Advancements in Heart Disease Treatment
For men with high cholesterol, hypertension, or inflammation-related heart disease, newer medications offer safer and more effective treatment options.
✅ PCSK9 Inhibitors
These medications significantly lower LDL cholesterol beyond what statins alone can achieve, reducing heart attack and stroke risks.
✅ SGLT2 Inhibitors & GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
Originally developed for diabetes, these drugs have been found to reduce cardiovascular events in men at risk of heart disease.
✅ Anti-Inflammatory Therapies
Recent studies show that chronic inflammation plays a major role in heart disease progression. New anti-inflammatory medications help reduce arterial inflammation, preventing further cardiovascular complications.
📖 Clinical Research: A 2022 study in The New England Journal of Medicine found that PCSK9 inhibitors reduced LDL cholesterol by 50% and lowered cardiovascular event risk by 27% in men with high cholesterol.
Holistic Approaches to Cardiovascular Health
Heart health isn’t just about medications and screenings—it’s about addressing the whole person, including mental well-being, diet, and physical activity.
🔹 Stress Management & Heart Health
Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, leading to high blood pressure and arterial inflammation. Mindfulness techniques such as meditation and controlled breathing exercises have been shown to reduce cardiovascular strain.
🔹 The Mediterranean Diet
A diet rich in healthy fats, lean proteins, and antioxidants is linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. Studies have found that men who follow a Mediterranean diet experience lower LDL cholesterol levels and improved vascular health.
🔹 Regular Cardiovascular Exercise
The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. A mix of strength training and aerobic workouts helps maintain heart function and circulation.
📖 Clinical Research: A 2021 study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that men who combined exercise, diet, and stress management saw a 40% reduction in heart disease risk over five years.
Why Choose The Doctor’s Practice for Heart Health?
At The Doctor’s Practice, I take a holistic, evidence-based approach to cardiovascular health, ensuring that men receive comprehensive, personalised care. My approach includes:
✔ Advanced Heart Risk Assessments
✔ Cutting-Edge Diagnostic Tools
✔ Bespoke Lifestyle & Treatment Plans
✔ Ongoing Monitoring & Preventative Care
💡 Proactive heart health management leads to a longer, healthier life, and I’m committed to helping my patients stay ahead of cardiovascular disease.
Book an Appointment with Dr. Bik
If you’re looking to take control of your heart health, book an appointment with Dr. Bik at The Doctor’s Practice today.
🌐 Book Online Now
📞 Call: 0121 661 2366
📱 WhatsApp: 07388 623527
📷 Instagram: @thedoctorspractice
📍 Located in Edgbaston, Birmingham | 📅 Appointments available 7 days a week
🔗 Visit our website: www.thedoctorspractice.co.uk
References
1️⃣ European Heart Journal (2023) – The impact of personalised risk assessments on heart disease prevention.
2️⃣ British Journal of Cardiology (2023) – The role of wearable technology in improving cardiovascular outcomes.
3️⃣ The New England Journal of Medicine (2022) – The efficacy of PCSK9 inhibitors in lowering cholesterol.
4️⃣ Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2021) – The long-term benefits of diet, exercise, and stress management on heart health