The Naked Heart

The 8-Month Metabolic Reset: A New Approach to Reversing Visceral Fat, Improving Blood Pressure and Blood Glucose

As we age — particularly if we have inherited genes that predispose us to metabolic disarray that accompanies modern diet and lifestyles, we start to gain weight as visceral fat increases, and muscle mass declines. This double effect worsens blood pressure, cholesterol triglycerides, and blood sugar — contributing to what is known as the metabolic syndrome. Fat cells that have reached their capacity to store extra energy as a healthy reserve start to cause havoc by releasing free fatty acids and in turn worsens insulin resistance, that steepens the decline in health.

However in many cases if we can reduce visceral fat, rebuild muscle, and reach a caloric deficit, we can reverse many of these effects.

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Protein, Sarcopenia, and the Pursuit of Healthspan

In the UK, the recommended minimum daily protein intake is 0.75g per kilogram of body weight. However, mounting evidence suggests that this baseline is not enough, especially for older adults, those managing chronic conditions, or anyone engaging in weight loss strategies.

In practice, most people are falling short of even this modest target. In this article and podcast, strategies to maintain skeletal muscle mass to improve metabolic health and reduce the risk of sarcopenia are aired. Could equipping our patients attending our holistic GLP-1 mimetic clinic with a food analysis app called Dr Shape and other items in our metabolic toolbox really be the answer?

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Why Cardiovascular Prevention Matters Before 30

Emerging evidence shows that lifetime exposure to LDL cholesterol and high glucose variability are some of the strongest predictors of cardiovascular risk. Just as lung cancer risk is tied to pack-years of smoking, heart disease risk correlates with cumulative LDL levels and impaired glucose metrics  over time.

This is why some people in their 20s with risk factors (like diabetes or a family history of heart disease) are starting statin therapy preventatively. However, many are understandably hesitant to start medication so early. Lifestyle changes remain the cornerstone of early prevention.

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Cardiovascular Health Under 20: A Guide for Young People and Their Families

It may seem unusual to talk about heart disease in teenagers and children, but the groundwork for heart health is laid early in life. Habits formed in youth often carry into adulthood, and many cardiovascular risk factors—like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or obesity—can be silent, slowly progressing without symptoms.

In families where heart disease runs deep, understanding risk and prevention from a young age can be life-changing.

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Cardiovascular Prevention: Why Waiting Until 60 Is Too Late

Cardiovascular disease often strikes decades before symptoms appear, especially in the critical age range known as *"Sniper’s Alley"* (40–60 years). Waiting until 60 is too late. Early prevention, particularly LDL cholesterol control, saves lives. Learn why family history demands a proactive approach — and why starting young matters.

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The Rise of Online Home Blood Testing: A Paradigm Shift in Preventative Healthcare

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in how individuals approach their health and wellbeing. With increasing public awareness around the importance of early detection and preventative medicine, combined with the reduced accessibility of primary care appointments, online home blood testing has rapidly gained popularity. This change has been further fuelled by the undeniable convenience of testing at home or visiting one of many independent providers offering blood test services across the UK.

https://www.scvc.co.uk/naked-heart/the-rise-of-online-home-blood-testing-a-paradigm-shift-in-preventative-healthcare/

 

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The Cardiometabolic Clinic

With continued advancements in imaging, pharmacology, and personalised medicine, the SCVC cardiometabolic clinic is positioned to lead the way in preventative cardiology. The integration of real-time metabolic assessments, cutting-edge lipid profiling, and targeted pharmacotherapy represents a paradigm shift in how cardiovascular risk is managed.

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How does stress affect your heart?

Stress is an unavoidable part of modern life. We encounter it at work, at home, in traffic, and even while reading the news. Although we often discuss stress casually, its impact on the human body is profound—particularly on the cardiovascular system. In this article, we will explore how stress affects the heart and blood vessels, drawing on clinical insights, expanding scientific knowledge, and practical stress-management strategies. By the end, you will see why stress is a critical factor in any heart health strategy, along with steps you can take to mitigate its harmful effects.

 

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