At this presentation’s end, you will gain insights into:

1. The vascular system as the “foundation of health”
2. CVD and how it all begins: the steps in the atherosclerotic process
3. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) as a chronic inflammatory disease
4. How to identify individuals at risk, with a focus on females

Worldwide, vascular conditions take an enormous toll. For women, vascular risk has risen more than for men, especially regarding young women and heart attacks and strokes. The 60,000 miles of blood vessels in the human body support every organ and system, and nearly every intervention depends upon a healthy vascular system. Who needs vascular support? What is the right target for that support?

The little-known inner lining of the blood vessels – a micro-thin gel layer – holds the key. This presentation takes a deep dive into the often-overlooked physiology of the endothelium’s protective lining (the endothelial glycocalyx). Understanding the endothelial glycocalyx’s role in atherosclerosis and inflammation offers new avenues for lowering risk. Unfortunately, these risks persist despite LDL-lowering therapies and are especially pronounced in women approaching menopause.

Reversing the inflammatory atherosclerotic process can be accomplished through several simultaneous interventions. Addressing this vascular risk can greatly improve short and long-term outcomes. Expert clinician Doreen Saltiel, MD, shares her approach to identifying those most at risk, supporting the endothelial glycocalyx, and complementary therapies.

About Dr. Saltiel

Doreen Saltiel, MD, FACC, received her MD from NY Medical College before completing a residency at Brooke Army Medical Center and then a cardiology fellowship at Walter Reed. She practiced cardiology for 14 years in the Army. Her service culminated at Fort Gordon, as the Chief of Cardiology and Regional Consultant in Cardiovascular Disease. After 20 years as an Interventional Cardiologist, she practices Preventive Cardiology and Functional Medicine. Recently, she served as the VP, Medical Affairs and CMO for Genova Diagnostics. She is currently Peak Health and Wellness’ Medical Director. Dr. Saltiel has received multiple teaching awards and continues to mentor physicians.

Dr. Saltiel has extensive training in and has written many papers on hormone health. She presented at the 2021 North American Menopause Society’s annual conference and will be presenting at the 2022 annual conference too. Dr. Saltiel has coauthored multiple hormone papers published in peer-reviewed journals.