Hidden Risks of Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality in the United States.

Despite recommendations from healthcare professionals to eat a healthy diet and adopt an exercise routine, deaths from cardiovascular disease are expected to increase over the next decade.

While these lifestyle changes are crucial, they are only part of the prevention strategy.

A lesser-known yet significant risk factor is exposure to environmental toxins, which studies have shown to be major contributors to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

In my clinical experience, nearly every patient has some level of toxins in their body, highlighting the widespread nature of these exposures. In functional medicine, we focus on the relationship between toxins and disease and work to address it proactively, whereas this critical correlation is often overlooked in conventional medicine.

Let’s explore the connection between toxins and heart health, focusing on:

The impact of environmental toxins on heart health
Everyday sources of toxins
How to reduce toxin exposure
Testing for toxins
Detoxification strategies

Environmental Toxins and Their Impact on Heart Health

Environmental toxins are harmful substances we encounter through various everyday channels including drinking water, the air we breathe, and much of the food consumed with a modern Western diet. They originate from both natural sources like forest fires or volcano eruptions, and human activities, such as industrial processes, agriculture, and chemical use.

These toxins include heavy metals like lead and mercury, pesticides, toxic mold, industrial chemicals like PCBs, particulate matter from air pollution, and more.

They are persistent in the environment, can bioaccumulate in living organisms, and are linked to a wide range of health issues, including respiratory problems, neurological disorders, cancers, and cardiovascular diseases.

Let’s take a closer look at specific toxins and their connection to cardiovascular disease.

Particulate Matter and Heart Disease

Research indicates that airborne pollutants like particulate matter and lead can escalate the risk of cardiovascular incidents. Particulate matter (PM) consists of tiny dust particles in the air that are invisible to the naked eye. These particles can be categorized by size: PM10 (particles with diameters of 10 micrometers or less), PM2.5 (2.5 micrometers or less), and ultrafine particles like PM1.

How Particulate Matter Causes Heart Disease

Inflammation: When inhaled, particulate matter can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. This triggers an inflammatory response in the body, leading to chronic inflammation, which is a significant risk factor for heart disease.

Oxidative Stress: Particulate matter can generate free radicals, causing oxidative stress. This stress damages the cells lining the blood vessels, promoting atherosclerosis (the buildup of plaques in the arteries), which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

Endothelial Dysfunction: The endothelium is the inner lining of blood vessels, essential for vascular health. Particulate matter exposure can impair endothelial function, reducing the vessels’ ability to dilate properly, which increases blood pressure and the risk of cardiovascular events.

Autonomic Nervous System Imbalance: Exposure to particulate matter can affect the autonomic nervous system, which controls heart rate and blood pressure. This imbalance can lead to arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) and other cardiovascular issues.

Blood Coagulation: Particulate matter can alter blood properties, increasing its tendency to clot. This increases the risk of thrombosis (blood clots), which can cause heart attacks and strokes.

Lead and Cardiovascular Health

Lead exposure, even at low levels, can have detrimental effects on cardiovascular health.

Lead can:

Increase blood pressure: Lead interferes with the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure, leading to hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease.

Induce oxidative stress: Like particulate matter, lead can generate free radicals, causing oxidative stress and damaging blood vessel linings.

Promote atherosclerosis: Chronic lead exposure can accelerate the buildup of plaques in arteries. When there is a buildup of plaque, it can narrow, harden, and weaken arteries, obstructing the flow of blood and oxygen to vital organs. This blockage is a precursor to severe conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and other vascular diseases.

Other toxic substances including arsenic, Bisphenol A (BPA), methyl mercury, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are also known to contribute to atherosclerosis.

Toxins can also lead to low-grade chronic inflammation in the body, contributing to the development of both atherosclerosis and hypertension.

Toxic Mold and Heart Disease

Exposure to toxic mold and mycotoxins can trigger chronic inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaques in the arteries.

Immune system response: Mycotoxins can alter the immune system’s function, leading to an exaggerated immune response that can contribute to cardiovascular problems. An overactive immune response can damage blood vessels and the heart.

Oxidative stress: Mycotoxins can increase oxidative stress by generating free radicals. Oxidative stress can damage the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels, leading to endothelial dysfunction, a precursor to various cardiovascular diseases.

Respiratory impact: Respiratory issues caused by toxic mold exposure, such as chronic coughing and lung infections, can indirectly strain the cardiovascular system. Poor lung function can lead to reduced oxygenation of the blood, placing extra stress on the heart.

Blood pressure: Some studies suggest that mold exposure can influence blood pressure regulation, potentially leading to hypertension, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

While there is limited direct research linking toxic mold exposure specifically to cardiovascular disease, the systemic effects of chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune system dysfunction are well-documented contributors to cardiovascular health issues. Therefore, it is plausible that prolonged exposure to toxic mold could increase the risk of developing cardiovascular conditions.

The Hidden Toxins in Your Food, Water, and Daily Life

Reducing your risk of toxin-related heart conditions begins with understanding how to lower your overall “toxic load.” While it’s nearly impossible to avoid all environmental toxins, you can take steps to minimize exposure.

Many of these toxins go unnoticed because they are part of our everyday lives. In this section, I’ll share common sources like heavy metals such as arsenic and mercury in food and water, and highlight how some of these toxins can directly impact your heart health.

By understanding where these toxins come from and their effects on your body, you can take proactive steps to reduce exposure and protect your heart and overall health.

Here’s a closer look at environmental toxins and how we are being exposed to them:

1. Food and Water Contaminants

Heavy Metals:
- Arsenic: Many people are unaware that arsenic is commonly found in various food sources. Rice tends to absorb more arsenic from the soil and water compared to other crops. This includes white rice, brown rice, rice cereal, and rice-based products like rice milk and rice crackers. I often see high levels of arsenic in people who are on a gluten-free diet and who are overconsuming rice. Commonly found in groundwater, in addition to rice, arsenic can also contaminate drinking water apples, and apple juice. Certain seafood also accumulates arsenic naturally.

- Mercury: Predominantly found in fish, especially predatory species like tuna and swordfish, which bioaccumulate mercury in their tissues. Recent studies reveal that even low-level mercury exposure can significantly impact cardiovascular health. Mercury increases oxidative stress, inflammation, and disrupts mitochondrial function, contributing to hypertension, coronary heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, and atherosclerosis. It also impairs HDL function, further promoting cardiovascular damage. Ongoing research continues to explore these toxic effects on the heart and vascular system.

- Lead: Can be present in older plumbing systems affecting water supply. Contaminated soil can also affect produce and grains. Research has shown that low levels of lead exposure, previously considered safe, can cause toxic effects in multiple organ systems.

- Cadmium: Found in some chocolate and can contaminate crops when phosphate fertilizers are used.

- Microplastics: Both tap and bottled water have been shown to contain microplastics, making water a ubiquitous source of exposure (more on microplastics below).

Glyphosate: Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup by Monsanto, is used with genetically modified (GMO) crops like corn, soy, and canola that are engineered to resist it. This allows farmers to spray entire fields, killing weeds but leaving the crops intact. Since the 1990s, glyphosate use has increased significantly. However, it persists in the environment, contaminating groundwater, drinking water, air, and soil, and becoming part of the plants, making it impossible to wash off.

Atrazine: Primarily used to control broadleaf weeds and grasses, especially in crops like corn and sugarcane. It is one of the most commonly detected pesticides in U.S. water sources.

Acrolein: Contaminates water through its use in irrigation canals, the oil and gas industry and from it’s use in the production of chemicals such as refrigerants and plastics.

Trichloroethylene (TCE): Can contaminate drinking water when it seeps into groundwater from industrial waste, spills, landfills, or improper disposal. This often occurs near industrial sites, leading to potential contamination of both private wells and public water supplies.

Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are used in manufacturing and persist in the environment, contaminating water supplies.

2. Household and Consumer Products

Bisphenol A (BPA): This chemical is used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins found in many plastic bottles, containers, and the linings of food cans. It can subtly leach into food and beverages. Handling thermal paper receipts can lead to BPA absorption through the skin.

Phthalates: Used to make plastics more flexible, these are found in items like vinyl flooring, shower curtains, synthetic leather, and personal care products (shampoos, soaps, hair sprays).

Aluminum: The extraction and use of pure aluminum have introduced this reactive metal into both our environment and bodies. Aluminum is found in many everyday items, including canned goods, baking powder, cookware, deodorants, sunscreens, skincare products, antacids, aspirin, and even some contaminated or low-quality supplements.

Trichloroethylene (TCE): An industrial solvent commonly used in various products, including dry cleaning chemicals, industrial cleaning agents, shoe polish, carpet cleaners, and degreasing products. It is also involved in the production of other chemicals.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Commonly found in household products such as paints, cleaning supplies, adhesives, building materials, furniture, aerosols, dry-cleaned clothes, personal care products, scented candles, and home office supplies.

3. Airborne Pollutants

Particulate Matter (PM): These tiny particles can come from various sources, including vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and even natural sources like wildfires.

Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): Generated from burning coal, oil, gasoline, trash, tobacco, and wood. High levels are often found in areas with heavy traffic and industrial activities.

Benzene: From natural sources like forest fires, and volcano eruptions, which you may not be too concerned about. But it’s also widely present in consumer products. Sunscreens, hand sanitizers, and other personal care products. It is so widespread that it also contaminates our water and food.

Acrolein: Released into the air through various combustion processes, such as burning tobacco in cigarettes, wood, or plastic. It is also produced during high-temperature deep-frying and forest fires. Once emitted, acrolein becomes part of the air we breathe, contributing to air pollution.

4. Other Industrial Chemicals that Contaminate our Air and Water

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): Although banned, these chemicals can still be found in older equipment, and their persistent nature keeps them in the environment, contaminating soils and waterways.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂): Released from burning fossil fuels, especially coal and oil, in power plants and industrial facilities.

Everyday Ways You May Be Exposed to Toxins: Work, Home, and Hobbies

Occupational Hazards

People working in factories, farms, or industries dealing with heavy metals, solvents, and other chemicals might be exposed to a higher level of toxic substances.

Artists and jewelry makers are exposed to toxic fumes and heavy metals.

Daily living

Cosmetics and Personal Care: Many cosmetics contain lead, formaldehyde, and other harmful chemicals absorbed through the skin.

Cooking and heating: Using unventilated stoves or burning materials like wood and coal indoors can significantly increase indoor pollution levels.

Kitchenware: Lead is found in everyday kitchen objects—like plates, older glassware, and flatware.

Pumping Gas: Going to the gas station exposes you to lead and benzene.

Home Environment

Building Materials: Older homes may contain lead-based paints and asbestos insulation. Even newer materials can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde.

Furnishings: Furniture and carpets often contain flame retardants and other chemicals that can off-gas toxins into the air.

Toxic mold: Mold can produce harmful mycotoxins that can adversely affect heart health. Ensuring proper building maintenance and promptly addressing water damage are crucial steps in preventing toxic mold growth and safeguarding health. To learn more on how to test and prevent mold, head over to my mold resource hub.

More on Microplastics

Microplastics are becoming so pervasive in our environment, that we need to review in more detail. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters in size and are an emerging environmental concern with widespread implications, including potential risks to cardiovascular health. Microplastics have been identified in atherosclerosic plaques.

Here are some common sources where microplastics can be found:

Personal care products: Many beauty and personal care products, like scrubs and toothpaste, previously used microbeads (tiny plastic particles) as exfoliants. Although banned in many places, remnants may still be present in some environments.

Synthetic textiles: Washing synthetic clothing (e.g., polyester, nylon) releases microfibers into water systems, contributing significantly to the microplastic load in aquatic environments.

Household dust: Microplastics are found in household dust due to the breakdown of synthetic materials like plastic fibers from clothing, carpets, and upholstery. These tiny plastic particles become airborne and settle as dust in homes, contributing to indoor pollution that can be inhaled or ingested over time.

Food and water
- Seafood: Marine organisms, from plankton to fish, can ingest microplastics. These plastics can accumulate in the food chain, affecting seafood consumers.
- Packaged foods: Plastic packaging can shed microplastics, which may contaminate the food inside. Microplastics have been found in products ranging from salt to beer.
- Drinking water: Both tap and bottled water have been shown to contain microplastics, making water a ubiquitous source of exposure.

Environmental degradation
- Breakdown of larger plastic items: Larger plastic waste items degrade into microplastics under environmental conditions like sunlight and mechanical action. These particles can be transported by wind and water, dispersing widely across ecosystems.

New research suggests that microplastics in the environment act as a vehicle for heavy metals. This means that microplastics may be even more toxic than previously thought and that reducing microplastic exposure also reduces exposure to heavy metals. Learn more here.

Ingested microplastics that carry heavy metals and other pathogens can lead to oxidative stress and inflammation, factors known to contribute to cardiovascular diseases.

Testing For Toxins

While standard medical practice does not typically test for environmental toxins, functional medicine relies on specialized diagnostic labs like Genova Diagnostics, Vibrant, and Precision Labs (formally Great Plain Labs) to offer these services.

You may order some of these tests in my DIY labs by clicking here.

If you do a DIY toxin test and find that you have high levels of toxins in your body, it’s best to work with a functional medicine practitioner who can develop a customized detox protocol for you.

Detoxing too quickly or without proper nutrient support can increase oxidative stress and potentially be more harmful to your health.

How to Support Cellular Detoxification

Before exploring effective Functional Medicine strategies for detoxifying at the cellular level, it’s essential to first address ways to minimize toxin exposure.

Detoxification Step 1: Reducing Toxin Exposures

The body naturally detoxifies itself, but it hasn’t adapted to handle the high levels of chemical exposure present in today’s environment.

By identifying sources of toxin exposure, you can take proactive steps to eliminate or reduce some of these toxins from entering your body.

How to Reduce Toxin Exposures

Minimizing exposure to these toxins involves taking proactive, practical steps. Take a good look at what you are exposing yourself to daily- particularly in older items and environments. By employing strategies you can substantially lower the intake of harmful substances.

Minimizing Exposure to Heavy Metals and Environmental Toxins

Tips to reduce exposure to these everyday toxins:

Using BPA-free products
Drink from glass not plastic bottles
Ask for electronic receipts to avoid handling paper receipts
Choose organic and locally sourced foods to avoid pesticides and contaminants
Reduce rice intake
Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking and use a higher water-to-rice ratio
Vary your diet to reduce reliance on rice and rice products
Consume a diverse range of vegetables
Buy grass-fed pasture-raised meats
Be mindful of water sources, particularly if using well-water
Use water filters that reduce arsenic, lead, and other contaminants
Opt for “green” or toxin-free household and personal care products
Improve indoor air quality with adequate ventilation and air purifiers
Be mindful of occupational exposures and use protective equipment if necessary
Use porcelain plates, opt for unpainted glassware, and do your research on the items you purchase
Use air filters in your home
Check for hidden mold in your home
Wear a mask when there is smoke from forest fires, or when air quality is poor

Tips to reduce microplastic exposure:

Choose natural fibers: Opt for clothing and home textiles made from natural materials like cotton, wool, and linen, which do not shed synthetic fibers.

Be mindful of plastics: Use glass or stainless steel for food storage and drinking water to reduce plastic degradation and microplastic contamination.

Support environmental cleanup efforts: Participate in or support initiatives aimed at reducing plastic waste in the environment, such as beach cleanups and recycling programs.

Advocate for regulations: Support policies and regulations that aim to reduce plastic production.

By identifying and mitigating these sources of toxins, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of toxin-related health issues, including those affecting cardiovascular health.

To learn more, download my free guide, How to Be Safe in a Toxic World. Or read Ten Toxins to Easily Avoid.

Detoxification Step 2: Supporting Organs

In my previous blog on detoxification, we highlighted the importance of supporting the organs responsible for eliminating toxins: the liver, kidneys, lungs, colon, and skin. It’s crucial to ensure these organs are functioning well before initiating cellular detoxification.

Hydration: Drink plenty of filtered water.
Regular bowel movements: Ensure daily regularity.
Sweating: Exercise or use an infrared sauna.
Deep dreathing: Practice regularly.
Sleep – at least 7-9 hours every night

This step is vital; if toxins can’t exit the body, they may recirculate and cause further harm.

Detoxification Step 3: Cellular Detoxification

Once toxins have been identified through functional medicine testing and the elimination pathways are clear, you can focus on deeper detoxification at the cellular level.

This involves:

Regenerate cell membranes: Use healthy dietary fats, choline (phosphatidylcholine), and antioxidants (vitamin C, CoQ10, curcumin) to repair cell and mitochondrial membranes, enhancing cellular integrity and function.
Boost autophagy: Enhance the body’s natural cleanup process through sufficient sleep, intermittent fasting, or a ketogenic diet.
Support methylation: Enhance detox pathways with active B vitamins and trimethylglycine, tailored to genetic needs with diet, exercise, stress management, and supplementation.

To learn more on detoxing read The Importance of Detoxification – And How to Detox and Toxicity Symptoms and Detoxification – Cellular Level Detox.

Detoxification Step 4: Supporting Detox with Supplements and Other Strategies

Supporting the body’s detoxification requires a variety of nutrients.

Here are a few of my favorite supplements to support detoxification and for heart health:

Perfect Paleo Plus is a meal replacement or a daily snack that provides many of the essential nutrients to support a healthy detox. There really aren’t many protein powders that are packed with so many nutrients.

Liposomal glutathione. Glutathione is known as the body’s Master Detoxifier because of its ability to neutralize a broad range of free radical compounds and protect cells from the damage caused by toxins and pollution. Your body makes it naturally in small amounts, but by adding extra, it will help increase the levels in the parts of your cells that you need.

NAC is a supplement that is very inexpensive and helps to increase your own body’s production of glutathione.

Binders can help to pull out heavy metals and toxins. The one that I recommend is called Zeo Binder.

Having a regular multivitamin that has good B vitamins and minerals can also support your body’s detoxification.

One of my favorite detox support tools is detox baths. I recommend the Cleanse + Restore Detox Bath with bentonite clay and essential oils.

IV phosphatidylcholine also supports detoxification – of heavy metals, pesticides, chemicals, mold/mycotoxins, and other environmental exposures. IV therapy delivers nutrients directly into the bloodstream, for faster delivery, higher doses, and bypasses the gut for 100% absorption.

To learn more about supplements that support overall heart health, read my blog, Nutraceuticals For Heart Health.

If you are interested in IV therapy click here.

Empowerment Through Knowledge

In today’s toxic world, it’s clear that managing cardiovascular health requires more than just a healthy diet and exercise. The hidden role that environmental toxins play in heart disease cannot be overlooked. From airborne pollutants to chemicals in everyday household products, these toxins contribute to inflammation, oxidative stress, and other processes that damage the cardiovascular system.

By understanding how toxins impact heart health and taking steps to reduce your exposure, you can empower yourself to protect your heart and overall well-being.

Supporting your body’s natural detoxification processes, using supplements, and making informed lifestyle choices are crucial components of this functional medicine approach. It’s not just about avoiding the obvious risk factors—it’s about recognizing the unseen threats and taking proactive steps to ensure long-term health.