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The SCVC Blog

Cardiovascular care news and articles from our expert team

Mitochondria: The Tiny Engines Managing Your Energy — Until They Are Overloaded

Mitochondria are the power stations inside every cell, converting food into energy. But in modern life, with constant carbohydrate intake and low energy demand, they become overwhelmed. Just like solar panels producing too much electricity for full batteries, mitochondria have nowhere to send surplus fuel. This triggers oxidative stress, inflammation, and early ageing. Insulin is meant to divert excess glucose to safe storage — but when that system fails, metabolic chaos follows. In this article, we explore how your mitochondria manage energy, what causes them to overload, and how lifestyle changes can help restore balance and protect long-term health

Carbohydrate Sensitive Phenotype (CSP): Precursor of the Metabolic Syndrome?

Carbohydrate Sensitive Phenotype (CSP) is not a diagnosis of diabetes or obesity. Rather, it’s a biologically driven pattern of visceral fat accumulation and carbohydrate intolerance which is highly prevalent in those with a raised waist-to-height ratio (WHtR > 0.5), triggered by aging, Western-style diet and lifestyle. More importantly, CSP gives individuals a name for their experience—one that invites support instead of judgement, and allows them to engage with food and health choices free from social shame.

Troponin-Negative Chest Pain: A Dangerous Illusion

Troponin-negative presentations are often sent home without a timely work up or prompt imaging tests like a CT angiogram.  A delay can be critical. Until these services become widely available, and in good time, patients experiencing unexplained chest symptoms who have not had clinical follow up and diagnosis confirmed are advised to 'vote with their feet'- either head back into hospital in event of further symptoms, or even consider arranging to fund their own urgent CT angiogram from an independent medical provider.

Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO): A Hidden Link in Stroke, TIA, Migraine and More — When to Close the Hole in the Heart

Before birth, the foramen ovale is a vital foetal opening between the right and left atria, allowing oxygen-rich placental blood to bypass the inactive lungs. After the first breath, pressure in the left atrium increases, closing the flap naturally. In around 25% of adults, the flap does not seal fully — this persistent communication is called a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) which is an important cause of cryptogenic stroke. All standard tests including an echocardiogram can be normal- it can be only be diagnosed using a bubble contrast study and once diagnosed, treatment with clam shell closure is high effective.

“Why Am I Out of Breath?” — The Hidden Link Between Belly Fat and Breathlessness

If you have ever found yourself feeling breathless climbing stairs or walking uphill — even though your lung and heart tests are “normal” — you are not alone.Many people attribute it to age or fitness. But recent research has uncovered a powerful hidden cause of breathlessness: visceral fat — the fat stored deep inside your abdomen, around your organs. In this blog, we will explore what visceral fat is, how it affects your breathing, and — most importantly — what you can do about it.

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.

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.