Is naturopathic heart health support for you?

• “My cholesterol or triglycerides are high, but I can’t stick with diet and exercise changes.”

• “My blood pressure is creeping up, but I don’t feel sick.”

• “I have insulin resistance, prediabetes, diabetes or fatty liver and want to understand my heart risk.”

• “Heart disease runs in my family, or I have inherited high cholesterol or elevated lipoprotein(a).”

• “I’ve noticed breathlessness, palpitations or swollen ankles and feel worried.”

• “I’m living with diagnosed heart disease or recovering from a heart attack, stroke or TIA and want support alongside my doctor.”

New chest pain, sudden or severe breathlessness, or stroke symptoms require emergency assessment. Call 911, even if stroke symptoms resolve.

Our approach to naturopathic heart health

At Naturopathie Integrative Clinic, we take time to hear what brought you in and what you’re hoping to change. We look at your health history, blood pressure, family history, medications, supplements and recent reports, then talk about eating, movement, sleep and stress. Breathlessness or chest discomfort may need medical investigation first.

We start with the information you already have. Depending on your history, testing may include cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar, insulin, kidney function and liver enzymes. We may also discuss SpectraCell’s Lipoprotein Particle Profile Plus (LPP Plus), which adds detail about cholesterol-carrying particles and other risk markers. We’ll explain whether that extra information could change your care plan, review any overlap with previous testing and discuss the cost before you decide.

Your plan is built around changes you can manage: food choices, safe activity, sleep and stress support. Supplements and further naturopathic care is considered where there is a clear reason to use them, with a review of safety and medication interactions.

We also consider kidney disease, sleep apnea, inflammatory conditions, pregnancy complications, hormone changes and previous cancer treatment. With your consent, we can share recommendations with your medical team. Always continue prescribed treatment and cardiac rehabilitation; your prescribing clinician manages medication changes.

Services that may support your care plan

• Naturopathic assessment — Take time to understand your history, blood pressure and bloodwork; discuss whether cholesterol, blood sugar or SpectraCell LPP Plus testing would add useful information to your care plan.

• Nutrition and lifestyle — Work out what heart-healthy eating looks like for you, with food choices that suit your tastes, budget and routines. Find manageable ways to bring movement, better sleep and stress support into your week, while respecting any activity limits your doctor has recommended. 

• Herbs and supplements — Consider whether selected herbs or supplements have a role in your plan, with attention to the evidence, your health history and medication interactions. We’ll explain the reasons for each recommendation and review how things are going.

• IV therapy — Discuss whether an infusion has a specific role in your care; it is not something everyone needs and does not replace medication or other prescribed heart treatments.

Your plan is built around changes you can manage: food choices, safe activity, sleep and stress support. Supplements and further naturopathic care is considered where there is a clear reason to use them, with a review of safety and medication interactions.

We also consider kidney disease, sleep apnea, inflammatory conditions, pregnancy complications, hormone changes and previous cancer treatment. With your consent, we can share recommendations with your medical team. Always continue prescribed treatment and cardiac rehabilitation; your prescribing clinician manages medication changes.

Meet Dr Sarah Flood

Dr. Sarah Flood, N.D. | Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Sarah Flood’s practice focus includes cardiovascular and metabolic health, from cholesterol and blood pressure concerns to insulin resistance, diabetes and fatty liver. Her background in laboratory medicine and nutrition shapes how she helps patients make sense of their results and choose practical next steps. She takes time to understand what matters to you and what feels manageable, with care that complements your family doctor’s or cardiologist’s recommendations.

Read Dr. Flood’s full bio

What to expect

1. Start with a free 15-minute consult. Tell us what you’re looking for and ask about our approach, fees and next steps. This is a chance to see whether the service feels right for you, rather than a full medical assessment.

2. Attend your first full visit. Bring your medication list, recent bloodwork and medical reports. We’ll talk through your concerns and look at the full picture.

3. Build your follow-up plan. Choose where to start together, how to review progress and when to meet again. Your plan can change as your needs do.

Heart health questions patients ask

Can naturopathic care help with high cholesterol or blood pressure?

Food choices, movement, sleep and other daily habits are important parts of managing cholesterol and blood pressure. We help you find changes you can keep up with and review how things are going. Medication may also be needed, particularly when risk is higher. Continue prescribed treatment and discuss changes with your prescribing clinician.

What is included in the free 15-minute consult?

It’s a chance to tell us what you’re looking for and ask questions before booking a full visit. We can talk about the approach, fees and what happens next. There’s no charge for this conversation. A full assessment and treatment recommendations come later; urgent symptoms need prompt medical care.

What happens at my first full appointment?

We’ll talk through your concerns, health history, medications and daily routines, and review the results you bring. Home blood pressure readings and specialist reports can be helpful. The visit may include blood pressure and other relevant examinations. Together, we’ll decide where to start and discuss any testing or treatment costs.

Will you work alongside my family doctor or cardiologist?

Yes. Your medical doctor remains an important part of your care. With your consent, we can share findings or recommendations to help keep everyone informed. If you have angina, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, valve disease or cardiomyopathy, you’ll continue medical follow-up and any specialist care your condition needs.

Are diabetes, insulin resistance and fatty liver connected to heart health?

Yes. These concerns often go together with high blood pressure or changes in cholesterol. Looking at blood sugar, liver and kidney health helps us understand the bigger picture. We’ll discuss food and lifestyle choices alongside your medical treatment, including whether fatty liver needs further assessment through your medical team.

What is SpectraCell LPP Plus testing, and would I need it?

SpectraCell’s Lipoprotein Particle Profile Plus (LPP Plus) looks at the number, size and density of cholesterol-carrying particles. It also includes standard cholesterol results and markers such as ApoB, lipoprotein(a), insulin and hs-CRP. This may help answer specific questions about your risk. It isn’t necessary for everyone; we’ll discuss whether the extra detail would change your care and explain the cost before you decide.

How much does care cost, and is it covered by insurance?

The 15-minute consult is free. Full visits, follow-ups and any tests or treatments have separate fees, which we’ll explain before you proceed. Some extended health plans cover naturopathic visits, and we offer direct billing for eligible plans. Coverage differs between policies, so check your benefits and ask us about current fees.

Can I book if I have breathlessness or heart palpitations?

These symptoms can feel worrying, and new or unexplained symptoms need prompt medical assessment. Once the cause has been investigated, we can discuss supportive care. Call 911 for new chest pain, sudden or severe breathlessness, fainting with chest symptoms, or signs of stroke—even if the stroke symptoms go away.

Start with a conversation about your heart health.