#21: Advanced Biomarker Testing and the Future of Preventive Cardiology with Cassandra Isley
02/06/25 • 85 min
Heart disease remains the #1 cause of death worldwide, yet its prevalence remains unchanged despite a 38% drop in heart attack fatalities over the past two decades. The culprit? Rising obesity, diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction. Standard testing can miss nearly 50% of at-risk patients, leaving millions vulnerable.
Heart disease isn’t just about cholesterol—it’s a process fueled by inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysfunction. An emphasis on prevention requires advanced risk assessment—markers like hs-CRP, MPO, ApoB, and Lp(a) can allow targeted preventive strategies for those at risk. Cutting-edge AI driven imaging has the ability to reveal hidden coronary artery plaque that other tests overlook.
By combining early testing, personalized lifestyle interventions, and targeted therapy, we can prevent heart disease before it starts. The challenge is great, but the opportunity to save lives is even greater.
In this episode, Dr. Christopher Huff and Cassandra Isley discuss groundbreaking tools for early detection, the role of metabolic health in heart disease, and how both patients and physicians can use science-backed strategies to stay ahead of cardiovascular disease.
Resources Mentioned & Links
- Clearly Health AI Imaging – https://www.clearlyhealth.com
- Cleveland HeartLab (Advanced Blood Testing) – https://www.clevelandheartlab.com
- Boston Heart Diagnostics – https://www.bostonheartdiagnostics.com
- Genova Diagnostics (Microbiome & Cardiometabolic Testing) – https://www.gdx.net
- Microbiome Disease Prevention Alliance – https://microbiomedp.org
BIO - Cassandra Isley – CEO, Microbiome Alliance for Disease Prevention
Cassandra Isley served in her early career as a clinical laboratory scientist in various hospitals. She became Executive Director overseeing multiple hospital divisions, as well as serving as a Clinical Education Liaison. For over 25 years, Cassandra has led strategic initiatives with global leaders in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, and life science industries. Cassandra is a proud Virginia Tech Hokie earning her undergraduate degree in biology and clinical microbiology, a master’s in clinical laboratory science, and is certified in nutrition and cancer from the University of Arizona College of Medicine.
Microbiome Alliance for Disease Prevention (MADP) is a U.S. based, 501(c)(3) public health non-profit dedicated to advancing early detection and prevention of chronic disease. MADP focuses on precision medicine, the microbiome, and precision nutrition providing clinical education, testing, and supportive resources for patients and providers.
Precision Medicine is an essential component of early detection, and targeted interventions. It takes into account individual differences in patients’ genes, environmental conditions, lifestyles, and the microbiome. Leveraging clinical lab testing and screening diagnostics detects diseases at their earliest and most treatable stages.
For patients, navigating this complex and cutting-edge field can be overwhelming. Understanding the testing and benefits of precision medicine is crucial for informed decision-making and active participation in one’s own medical care.
MADP is unwavering in their commitment to patients and providers relentlessly pursuing the latest clinical advancements. MADP ensures everyone benefits from the promise of precision healthcare.
Top 3 Actionable Takeaways
- Know Your Numbers Beyond Cholesterol – Request ApoB, Lp(a), hs-CRP at your next check-up. These offer far more insight into cardiovascular risk than a standard lipid panel.
- Consider Advanced Imaging – If you have risk factors, coronary artery calcium scoring or the Clearly AI scan can detect coronary artery disease before symptoms appear.
- Focus on Metabolic Health – Prioritize whole-food nutrition and exercise to prevent metabolic dysfunction, which drives heart disease.
Let’s Connect:
Work with me: Premier Cardiovascular Health
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.huff.9480
Instagram: @hufcm
Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or medical treatment.
Heart disease remains the #1 cause of death worldwide, yet its prevalence remains unchanged despite a 38% drop in heart attack fatalities over the past two decades. The culprit? Rising obesity, diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction. Standard testing can miss nearly 50% of at-risk patients, leaving millions vulnerable.
Heart disease isn’t just about cholesterol—it’s a process fueled by inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysfunction. An emphasis on prevention requires advanced risk assessment—markers like hs-CRP, MPO, ApoB, and Lp(a) can allow targeted preventive strategies for those at risk. Cutting-edge AI driven imaging has the ability to reveal hidden coronary artery plaque that other tests overlook.
By combining early testing, personalized lifestyle interventions, and targeted therapy, we can prevent heart disease before it starts. The challenge is great, but the opportunity to save lives is even greater.
In this episode, Dr. Christopher Huff and Cassandra Isley discuss groundbreaking tools for early detection, the role of metabolic health in heart disease, and how both patients and physicians can use science-backed strategies to stay ahead of cardiovascular disease.
Resources Mentioned & Links
- Clearly Health AI Imaging – https://www.clearlyhealth.com
- Cleveland HeartLab (Advanced Blood Testing) – https://www.clevelandheartlab.com
- Boston Heart Diagnostics – https://www.bostonheartdiagnostics.com
- Genova Diagnostics (Microbiome & Cardiometabolic Testing) – https://www.gdx.net
- Microbiome Disease Prevention Alliance – https://microbiomedp.org
BIO - Cassandra Isley – CEO, Microbiome Alliance for Disease Prevention
Cassandra Isley served in her early career as a clinical laboratory scientist in various hospitals. She became Executive Director overseeing multiple hospital divisions, as well as serving as a Clinical Education Liaison. For over 25 years, Cassandra has led strategic initiatives with global leaders in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, and life science industries. Cassandra is a proud Virginia Tech Hokie earning her undergraduate degree in biology and clinical microbiology, a master’s in clinical laboratory science, and is certified in nutrition and cancer from the University of Arizona College of Medicine.
Microbiome Alliance for Disease Prevention (MADP) is a U.S. based, 501(c)(3) public health non-profit dedicated to advancing early detection and prevention of chronic disease. MADP focuses on precision medicine, the microbiome, and precision nutrition providing clinical education, testing, and supportive resources for patients and providers.
Precision Medicine is an essential component of early detection, and targeted interventions. It takes into account individual differences in patients’ genes, environmental conditions, lifestyles, and the microbiome. Leveraging clinical lab testing and screening diagnostics detects diseases at their earliest and most treatable stages.
For patients, navigating this complex and cutting-edge field can be overwhelming. Understanding the testing and benefits of precision medicine is crucial for informed decision-making and active participation in one’s own medical care.
MADP is unwavering in their commitment to patients and providers relentlessly pursuing the latest clinical advancements. MADP ensures everyone benefits from the promise of precision healthcare.
Top 3 Actionable Takeaways
- Know Your Numbers Beyond Cholesterol – Request ApoB, Lp(a), hs-CRP at your next check-up. These offer far more insight into cardiovascular risk than a standard lipid panel.
- Consider Advanced Imaging – If you have risk factors, coronary artery calcium scoring or the Clearly AI scan can detect coronary artery disease before symptoms appear.
- Focus on Metabolic Health – Prioritize whole-food nutrition and exercise to prevent metabolic dysfunction, which drives heart disease.
Let’s Connect:
Work with me: Premier Cardiovascular Health
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.huff.9480
Instagram: @hufcm
Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or medical treatment.
Previous Episode
#20: The Four Pillars of Mental Fortitude
Dr. Huff shares a deeply personal story of navigating two simultaneous medical emergencies while reflecting on what enabled him to stay composed under pressure.
It wasn’t a lack of stress but years of preparation that allowed him to act with clarity. This experience brought home a powerful truth: mental fortitude is a skill anyone can develop.
By exposing ourselves to different kinds of stress—physical, emotional, environmental, and mental—we can build resilience that transcends life’s challenges.
Resources Mentioned
- Dr. Biff Palmer: Renowned for his resilience and accomplishments, including climbing Mount Everest. Listen to this episode.
- Allison Grubb: Known for her mental toughness and completing GoRuck Selection, one of the toughest endurance challenges. Listen to this episode.
- General Frank Merritt: Credited with the quote, “Good training provides a focused alternative to panic.”
- Vince Lombardi: His timeless quote, “Fatigue makes cowards of us all,” underscores the importance of building resilience.
Top 3 Takeaways
- Expose Yourself to Varied Stressors: Engage in activities that challenge you physically, emotionally, environmentally, and mentally, gradually increasing their intensity.
- Track Your Progress: Keep a journal of your daily stressors and responses to identify growth areas and celebrate successes.
- Embrace Failure and Rejection: Seek opportunities to fail or face rejection intentionally—it’s a powerful way to build emotional resilience.
Let’s Connect:
Work with me: Premier Cardiovascular Health
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.huff.9480
Instagram: @hufcm
Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or medical treatment.
Next Episode
#22: Why Weight Loss Stalls—Discussing the Role of Hormones, Metabolic Health, and GLP-1 Mimetics with Dr. Marguerite Weston
Many people follow all the right steps—eating a healthy diet, exercising consistently, and achieving a caloric deficit—yet the scale refuses to budge. Why? The answer often lies in hormonal imbalance, metabolic dysfunction, and food noise.
Weight loss isn’t just about "eating less and moving more." Underlying issues like insulin resistance, low testosterone, thyroid dysfunction, and even gut health can dramatically impact results. The body's metabolic adaptation to weight loss can slow progress, and factors like sleep, stress, and cortisol play a bigger role than many realize.
Additionally, new therapies such as GLP-1 receptor agonists (like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide) are transforming weight management, not just by reducing appetite but also reducing food addiction.
In this episode, Dr. Huff and Dr. Weston take a deep dive into:
- The common hormonal roadblocks to weight loss
- The importance of metabolic health and how to assess it
- The truth about GLP-1 medications—who they help, how they work, and their long-term impact
If you've ever felt stuck in your weight loss journey despite doing everything “right,” this episode is for you.
Resources Mentioned & Links
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring – https://www.levelshealth.com
- Precision Hormone Testing – https://www.dutchtest.com
- Pendulum Probiotics (Akkermansia for Gut Health) – https://www.pendulumlife.com
- Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers—Book by Robert Sapolsky: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Zebras-Dont-Ulcers-Third/dp/0805073698
BIO - Marguerite Weston, MD - Director of Functional Medicine, Donaldson Plastic Surgery and Wellness
Dr. Marguerite Weston combines a robust foundation of conventional medicine experience with the best contemporary functional medicine practices for a fresh and effective approach to optimizing health. She addresses discomfort at its root cause and provides long-term solutions that allow you to take control of your life again.
As a functional medicine patient herself, Dr. Weston believes that your discomfort, pain and anxieties are valid. She uses your personal input and diagnostic testing results to finally deliver the answers about your health you’ve been looking for.
With more than 17 years of experience in sports medicine and family practice, Dr. Weston has spent her entire career uncovering medical mysteries for her patients. As the Director of Functional Medicine at Donaldson, she integrates the strengths of both modern medicine and more holistic, natural methods to create hyper-personalized treatment plans for each patient. This combination unlocks a world of therapeutic potential — a reality that results in elevated well-being and an improvement in your overall health.
Links & Resources:
🔹 Follow Dr. Weston: @functionalmed
🔹 Learn more: Donaldson Plastic Surgery & Wellness
Top 3 Actionable Takeaways
✔ Test, Don’t Guess – If you’re struggling with weight loss despite doing “all the right things”, an in depth hormonal assessment is warranted.
✔ Metabolic Health Matters – Assess for insulin resistance using the HOMA-IR calculator. When combined with expert interpretation, a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can be insightful.
✔ Consider GLP-1 Medications If Indicated – For certain individuals struggling to lose weight, GLP-1 receptor agonists can be a game-changer, but should not replace appropriate nutrition and exercise.
Let’s Connect:
Work with me: Premier Cardiovascular Health
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.huff.9480
Instagram: @hufcm
Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or medical treatment.
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