The SCVC Blog

Cardiovascular care news and articles from our expert team

The Expanding Waistline in Men: Spare Tyre, Killer Visceral Fat, or Just Flabby Abdominal muscles?

Most men over 30 will recognise the slow but steady expansion of the waistline. Whether you call it a spare tyre, a dad bod, or just a bit of extra padding, not all belly fat is created equal — and not all of it is harmless.Some types of abdominal fat are mostly cosmetic. Others are dangerous, inflammatory, and metabolically active — the kind of fat that silently drives heart attacks, strokes, dementia, and even advanced cancers.Let’s break down the three main culprits behind the male belly — and what you can do about them.

From Genes to Greens: How DNA Shapes Your Nutritional Needs

In the evolving world of preventative healthcare, one size no longer fits all. We are learning that each person has a unique biological blueprint – shaped by their DNA, lifestyle, and environment – which determines how they respond to food, exercise, and medications. Today, sophisticated tools allow us to uncover this blueprint and personalise health advice in a way never before possible. The goal? Not just to avoid disease, but to extend your healthspan – the number of years you live in good health.

Dietary Fats: From Villain to Vital Nutrient – Rethinking Fat in a Heart-Healthy Diet

Dietary fats have been wrongly maligned for much of modern nutritional history. But as the science evolves, it's clear that fat – far from being harmful – is a vital macronutrient that supports energy metabolism, hormonal health, brain and heart function, and even weight control.Rather than fearing fat, we should focus on:Avoiding refined carbohydrates and ultra-processed foods. Prioritising whole food sources of fat, including nuts, seeds, dairy, eggs, fish, and healthy oils. Understanding individual needs, especially in those with insulin resistance or carbohydrate sensitivity. Viewing nutrition in context, rather than isolating single nutrients as heroes or villains.The time has come to move beyond fat-phobia and embrace a more nuanced, evidence-based approach to eating. In a balanced, whole-food diet, fat is not the problem — it’s part of the solution.

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

Thanks to digital health technology, many of the tools needed to correct low protein intake are now in the hands of patients. Food tracking apps can analyse the macronutrient breakdown of meals, allowing users to make informed adjustments. AI-based platforms can even suggest personalised meal plans that hit protein targets while remaining aligned with caloric needs and dietary preferences.

The GLP-1 Mimetic Clinic

GLP-1 therapy is most effective when paired with sustainable lifestyle improvements. That’s why our clinic operates on a shared care agreement—we commit to providing access to these powerful medications, while you commit to making meaningful changes in diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management.

Protein, Sarcopenia, and the Pursuit of Healthspan

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 glucose metrics such as HbA1c 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.

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.

Cardiovascular Prevention: Why Waiting Until 60 Is Too Late

Cardiovascular disease is detectable and treatable decades before first 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 men and women with a family history of heart disease demands a more proactive approach — and why starting young matters.

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

From cholesterol tests and HbA1c for monitoring diabetes, to more specific markers like lipoprotein(a), or LP(a), patients are no longer waiting for symptoms or their GP's advice before seeking answers. Instead, they are becoming more proactive—taking charge of their health and accessing diagnostics that were once confined to clinical settings.

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.

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.