Memphis has a lot of heart, figuratively and literally. We may be the city of grit and grind, but heart disease is the #1 cause of death for Memphians, according to the Shelby County Department of Health. It’s clear we could use a refreshed approach, which is why these top five heart health trends for Memphis should be first on your radar for 2025.

Instead of cookie-cutter advice (“Everyone take a statin, limit your salt, and call it a day”), our team at ZüpMed is building strategies based on advanced blood tests, genetic screenings, real-time data, and your individual lifestyle. Keep reading to learn how you can take a proactive approach to your cardiometabolic health with these tips.

#1: Know Your Numbers (and Go Beyond the Basics)

Most heart-conscious patients know they should keep track of their blood pressure, total cholesterol, and perhaps their “good” (HDL) and “bad” (LDL) cholesterol. But to get a better picture of your overall heart health score, we recommend asking your doctor to check all of the following indicators:

Total Cholesterol
LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)
HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)
Non-HDL
Triglycerides
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]

Why do these extra measurements matter? Well, Lp(a), for instance, can help reveal a genetic predisposition to heart disease and can predict a likelihood of clot formation in the future. Likewise, ApoB goes a step beyond LDL by showing how many particles are carrying “bad” cholesterol around in your bloodstream.

Getting these tests done can help Memphians get proactive—especially if your family history or lifestyle factors put you at risk.

Get Your CAC Score: A Deeper Look at Your Arteries

Another game-changing tool is the Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) score. This quick, low-radiation CT scan checks for calcium deposits in your coronary arteries and helps catch signs of heart disease before you’re even aware of symptoms. We like to think of your CAC score as a crystal ball to determine whether you need heart medications like statin, so don’t be afraid to ask for one at your next cardiometabolic screening.

Not Everybody Needs a Statin

If there’s one message we love sharing at ZüpMed, it’s this: personalized medicine is the future. While statins are critical for some individuals, they aren’t automatically necessary for everyone. By learning your true risk—through advanced cholesterol panels, CAC scoring, and open conversations about your lifestyle and diet—you and your Memphis healthcare provider can determine if a statin is truly warranted or if you can hold off on medication.

#2: Check Your Inflammatory Markers and Genetic Risks

Inflammation: The Root of Chronic Illness

If you’ve ever twisted an ankle, you know inflammation is part of the body’s natural healing response. However, chronic inflammation is a different beast altogether. When inflammation lingers for weeks, months, or even years, it can quietly damage your blood vessels and tissues, paving the way for heart disease (and a host of other chronic conditions).

Catching elevated markers early gives you the chance to adopt strategies—like specific dietary changes, supplements, or medications—that can quell the fire before it leads to more serious issues.

The Power of Genetic Screening

In Memphis, heart disease can run in families, and it often hits folks at younger ages than you might expect. A simple blood or saliva test can reveal predispositions to conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia or highlight genes that make you more likely to develop elevated inflammatory markers.

Knowing that you have a certain genetic marker doesn’t guarantee a diagnosis, but it does help us tailor your prevention game plan. This personalized, predictive approach is one we’re proud to offer at ZüpMed because it gives you a leg up on potential issues.

#3: Track Your Insulin and Blood Glucose with a CGM

Continuous Glucose Monitoring: Not Just for Diabetes

If you think Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) devices are exclusively for patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, think again. CGMs have gone mainstream among people who want a real-time peek at how their body responds to food, exercise, stress, and more. Because blood sugar fluctuations—especially repeated spikes—can contribute to inflammation and arterial damage, keeping tabs on your glucose can be incredibly helpful in preventing heart disease, even if you’re not diabetic.

Why It Matters for Your Heart

We’ve known for years that high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, but what about the subtler variations that don’t cross the threshold into pre-diabetes or diabetes? CGM data can reveal if your morning coffee creamer is sending your glucose through the roof or if your post-lunch slump is tied to a rapid sugar drop.

This real-time feedback can be life-changing. By understanding what triggers blood sugar imbalances, you can tweak your eating habits, exercise routines, and stress management strategies to keep everything in a healthier range.

#4: Diet Hacks (Lifestyle Medicine Done Right)

Fiber Is Your Heart’s Best Friend

Fiber might not sound glamorous, but it’s a serious MVP for heart health. Men should aim for about 30 grams of fiber per day, while women should shoot for 25 grams. Getting enough fiber helps lower LDL cholesterol, stabilizes blood sugar, and fosters a healthy gut microbiome—all of which play a role in protecting your heart.

Fruits, Veggies, and a Happier Microbiome

We can’t talk about fiber without mentioning fruits and vegetables. Add more color to your plate, and you’re practically guaranteed to bump up your fiber intake. Beyond fiber, plants also offer essential vitamins, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that bolster heart health.

One of the coolest emerging areas of research is how our gut bacteria (“the microbiome”) influence everything from inflammation to metabolism. A fiber-rich, plant-heavy diet encourages the growth of beneficial gut bugs that help control cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and even improve mental well-being.

Embracing the Memphis Food Scene—Smartly

We love the Memphis food scene as much as anybody (there’s nothing like a perfectly smoked rack of Central Barbecue ribs!), but striking a healthy balance is key. Believe it or not, you can still enjoy iconic local meals—just in moderation.

Pair your barbecue with a hearty portion of roasted vegetables, or top your pulled pork with a crunchy, fiber-rich slaw. These simple swaps may not be flashy, but your heart (and your taste buds) will thank you.

#5: Be on GLP-1s for Weight Loss (and More)

Why Waist Circumference Matters

You’ve probably heard about body mass index (BMI), but waist circumference is a more direct measure of how much belly fat you’re carrying. Excess abdominal fat, also known as visceral fat, can significantly raise your risk of heart disease because it’s closely tied to inflammation and hormonal imbalances. If you’ve noticed your jeans feeling tighter and your belt needing more notches, consider it a gentle signal to check in on your metabolic health.

GLP-1s: A New Frontier in Weight Management

Enter GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists—medications that are quickly gaining attention for their ability to help people lose weight and keep it off. They work by regulating appetite and blood sugar, which can lead not only to weight loss but also to improved heart health markers, such as better cholesterol profiles and stable blood glucose levels. For individuals who have battled with weight for years, GLP-1s may offer a new avenue of hope.

Don’t get us wrong: GLP-1s aren’t a magic wand. They’re typically most effective when combined with a sensible diet and exercise program. But for those who need an additional tool in the toolbox—especially if you have a family history of heart disease—this can be a real game-changer.

How ZüpMed Can Help

At ZüpMed, our mission is to offer personalized, compassionate care that meets you exactly where you are. If you’re curious about any of the heart health trends mentioned here, we’re ready to help you explore them:

Comprehensive Testing: We can arrange advanced cholesterol panels (including ApoB and Lp[a]) and inflammatory markers, plus genetic screenings if indicated.
Lifestyle Coaching: Whether it’s diet tweaks, physical activity plans, or stress management, we’ll collaborate to create a strategy that fits your Memphis routine.
Medication Guidance: From understanding whether a statin is right for you to assessing if GLP-1 therapy makes sense in your situation, we’ll provide clear, evidence-based guidance.
Ongoing Support: Health isn’t a single appointment or a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s a journey. We’ll walk with you every step of the way, adjusting course as needed.

Here’s Where Memphis Meets Heart Health

If you’re reading this and feeling a bit overwhelmed—take a deep breath. You don’t have to tackle all these trends at once. Pick one area that resonates with you, whether it’s getting a CAC scan, trying out a CGM, or simply adding more vegetables to your plate. Small shifts often lead to big changes over time.

We’re confident that, together, we can make a real difference in your heart health—and, by extension, the heart health of the entire Memphis community. Ready to start? Schedule a cardiometabolic screening or drop by for a chat. We’re here to help you chart a course toward a healthier, happier heart in 2025 and beyond.

Posted by ZüpMed

Top 5 Heart Health Trends for Memphis in 2025