Dr. Ghalichi provides a comprehensive, personalized longevity evaluation, offering advanced cardiac risk analysis, genetic testing, family history review, cardiac and vascular imaging, and lipid/metabolic testing. This integrative approach surpasses standard care, assessing disease risk and crafting a plan to improve both health and longevity.
Key Areas of Focus The Top Killers
Cardiovascular Disease
(Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease)
This is the global top killer of both men and women. This evaluation uses advanced testing from best-in-class labs such as Boston Heart and Cleveland Heart to determine if you are making plaque in your arteries now, at what rate, and if there is a genetic cause. Cardiac imaging is also utilized to determine your status of disease now. A thorough plan is made for intervention if a problem is found so that you do not have advanced stages of disease years later.
Neurodegenerative Disease
(Dementia)
Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, rank among the top causes of death worldwide. This evaluation includes APOE genotyping, micronutrient analysis, and an assessment of central nervous system cholesterol production to identify risk factors. Based on the findings, an evidence-based strategy is crafted to help prevent the onset of dementia and support long-term brain health.
Metabolic Disease
This evaluation offers a thorough assessment of insulin resistance, a key factor in metabolic health, alongside testing for MTHFR (methylation) mutations. As with every component of this evaluation, a personalized treatment plan is created to address any abnormalities or risks discovered.
Cancer Screening
The key is early detection. Early detection is always a better prognosis than late detection. While the Longevity Evaluation includes PSA testing, it primarily focuses on ensuring you are following the most up-to-date, evidence-based early detection strategies for your age and gender. If needed, we will facilitate referrals to specialists affiliated with Cedars-Sinai for further cancer screenings, such as colonoscopies, breast or gynecological cancer screening, and prostate evaluations.
What is tested in the Longevity Evaluation
Consultation with Dr. Ghalichi
The evaluation begins with an in-depth consultation with Dr. Ghalichi, where you will discuss your symptoms, medical history, goals, nutrition, sleep, exercise, family history, supplements, and risk factors. This is followed by a physical examination, along with cardiac, vascular, and liver imaging. A fasting blood draw is then performed. Two weeks later, Dr. Ghalichi reviews all results with you and develops a personalized plan based on your findings.
Consultation & Diagnostics
Estimated time: 90 minutes.
Arrive fasting for at least 6 hours. Water is ok and encouraged.
In-person at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Office Tower in Los Angeles.
Review Results & Treatment Plan
Estimated time: 60 minutes.
At least two weeks after the initial appointment.
Can be in-person or via video conferencing.
Advanced Cardiac, Vascular and Organ Imaging
Philips EPIQ Elite Ultrasound System (Netherlands) for superior imaging quality and advanced intelligence.
The integration of artificial intelligence helps in enhancing diagnostic confidence with more accurate and efficient analysis.
These tests are operator dependent. Dr. Ghalichi performs the scans himself and has done an extra year of training for cardiovascular imaging.
No Radiation Exposure
AI-Driven Tools
Best-in-Class Lab Testing
Labs are drawn at the appointment, packed on ice, and shipped overnight to Boston Heart Diagnostics. Results are reviewed at a follow-up appointment in two weeks.
Advanced Lipid Panels
Includes ApoB, Lipoprotein (a), and many other markers for an in-depth evaluation of cardiovascular risk, beyond standard lipid testing. These particles are directly linked to plaque formation in the arteries.
Apolipoprotein E Alzheimer's Dementia Genetic Risk
Assessment of APOE genotype to evaluate your genetic predisposition to Alzheimer's disease.
MTHFR (Methylation) Metabolism Genetics and Homocysteine Assessment
Testing for MTHFR gene mutations that affect methylation, along with homocysteine levels, which are crucial for cardiovascular and brain health.
Insulin Resistance
Detailed testing performed at Boston Heart Diagnostics to assess your body's response to insulin, a critical factor in metabolic health and longevity.
Inflammation
A high sensitivity assay is tested to detect if inflammation is present.
Hormone Physiology
A comprehensive analysis of hormone levels, including testosterone and estradiol, to assess hormonal balance and its impact on aging and vitality.
Micronutrient Testing
Comprehensive quantification of omega-3 levels, including EPA and DHA, as well as CoQ10, to evaluate nutritional health and support optimal aging.
Carotid Artery Ultrasound
This test examines the arteries in the neck, allowing visualization of plaque without radiation exposure. This is the source of most strokes, and can be detected years before symptoms occur. Dr. Ghalichi performs this operator-dependent scan himself, using Philips Healthcare software to measure the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) with high precision.
Transthoracic Echocardiogram
A transthoracic echocardiogram is an ultrasound that evaluates your heart's structure and function, providing detailed images to assess how well the heart muscle, valves, and chambers are working. It measures heart wall thickness, chamber size, and valve function, helping to detect any abnormalities. Doppler ultrasound is used to check blood flow, ensuring everything is circulating properly.
Liver Fat Quantification
Liver fat (visceral fat) is metabolically harmful. This test is performed via ultrasound using FDA-approved software analysis from Philips Healthcare, validated against MRI and liver biopsy to measure liver fat—a key factor in metabolic health and early detection of fatty liver disease.
Abdominal Aorta Ultrasound
This test screens for aneurysms in the abdominal aorta, critical for early detection and management of this potentially life-threatening condition.
Electrocardiography (EKG)
The GE Healthcare MAC 5 Machine is utilized, featuring advanced algorithms for age- and gender-specific analysis to identify cardiac electrical and rhythm abnormalities.
What is treated in the Longevity Evaluation
Preventing of the Onset of Chronic Disease
Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease
Not just to assess your risk of cardiovascular disease in the future, but to take action now and alter the course of disease progression. Based on your risk, tests such as a CT Coronary Calcium Score or CT Coronary Angiogram with AI plaque analysis may be recommended to be performed at Cedars-Sinai. As these tests involve radiation exposure, a careful risk-benefit analysis is conducted. Modern pharmacotherapies, like PCSK9 inhibitors (e.g., Repatha, Leqvio), might be prescribed for individuals at elevated risk.
Hypertension
Exploration of secondary causes is essential. Non-medication interventions are prioritized. Pharmacotherapy may be initiated or adjusted based on blood pressure severity and individual patient needs.
APOE e4 Carriers
For those carrying the APOE e4 gene variant, increasing their genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease, a personalized, evidence-based prevention strategy is crafted to reduce the likelihood of cognitive decline.
Insulin Resistance
Non-medication strategies are formulated to reverse insulin resistance. If the condition is severe, medications like GLP-1 agonists (e.g., semaglutide, tirzepatide, Ozempic, Zepbound) or SGLT2 inhibitors (e.g., Jardiance, Farxiga) may be considered to improve metabolic health.
MTHFR (Methylation) Deficiency
For individuals with MTHFR mutations affecting methylation, personalized dietary and supplement plans are designed to optimize methylation pathways and improve metabolic function.
Inflammation
High-sensitivity assays are used to detect inflammation. A plan is made if necessary to attack inflammation head on. Identifying and addressing inflammatory processes is key to preventing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular conditions, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune diseases.
Micronutrient Deficiency
A thorough analysis of micronutrient levels, including essential vitamins and minerals such as Omega-3, Vitamin D, and CoQ10, is performed. A tailored supplement plan is created to address deficiencies and support optimal health.
Treatment Philosophy
Nutritional Biochemistry
Focuses on optimizing your diet based on your genetic profile and metabolic needs to improve health, longevity, and performance.
Exercise Physiology
Tailored exercise programs designed to maximize cardiovascular and muscular health, promote longevity, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Sleep Optimization
Improving sleep quality and duration to enhance recovery, cognitive function, and overall well-being.
Distress Tolerance
Strategies to manage stress effectively, promoting mental and emotional health through resilience-building techniques.
Medications, Hormones, and Supplements
Strategic use of scientifically-backed medications, hormones, and supplements to optimize bodily functions, address deficiencies, and promote health longevity.
Featured Podcast
How to Not Have a Heart Attack: A Top Cardiologist's Secrets
In this insightful episode of the SHE MD Podcast, Dr. Ghalichi shares his expert advice on preventing heart attacks and improving heart health. Tune in to learn practical tips and scientific insights about longevity and cardiovascular wellness.