Breaking down heart disease.

Heart disease is a multifactorial condition. One of our biggest goals for Treeo’s education arm is to provide you with digestible information explaining each disease risk factor. Let’s examine the condition more closely. Cardiovascular disease, or CVD, is the umbrella term for diseases that affect the heart or blood vessels. When we refer to heart disease at Treeo, we’re typically talking about coronary artery disease (CAD), the most common type of CVD in the United States. We are currently focused on tackling this type of heart disease.

Cardiovascular disease (CAD) is a complex condition that often begins in childhood with the early buildup of fatty streaks in the arteries. Over time, these fatty deposits can harden and narrow the arteries, leading to atherosclerosis. This can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems later in life. Traditionally, it is discussed how genetics and family history can play a role in the development of CAD, as well as how lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking can also contribute to the early onset of the disease.

We must acknowledge how several social determinants of health interact in intricate ways, creating many risk factors predisposing individuals to the disease. "It just so happens that some of the most important risk factors for heart disease aren't clinical at all; they are related to where people live and work, community attitudes about health, and economic stressors they may face," says Dr. Khurram Nasir, head of Houston Methodist’s Division for Cardiovascular Prevention and Wellness. We will make these factors easy to digest in upcoming community blog posts.

Now that we understand this is a complex condition, how can we overcome it?

The numbers are climbing. Heart disease risk factors (which include chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and more) are expected to increase from 2025 to 2060, so tackling this condition should be a top priority. Current approaches include lifestyle intervention, drug prescriptions to try to slow the progression, and surgeries to circumvent clogged arteries to try to relieve symptoms.

At Treeo, we believe that a multifactorial condition requires a team effort. It involves various experts coming together to create a root-cause solution. It requires increasing access to information so individuals can make informed decisions about their health.

What are we currently focused on?

• Behavioral health coaching to encourage a societal shift in how we think about chronic conditions

• Access to nutrition education

• Social support and community

Currently, there isn’t a solution for heart disease that acknowledges the myriad factors that lead to the condition in the first place. We’re hoping to be the first to do this. Treeo is on a mission to make tools that prevent and reverse heart disease accessible to everyone around the world. Join today to get yourself a team dedicated to supporting you on your health journey.