Presented by Heather Hydzik, ND | September 2, 2026 at 12 PM Pacific

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide yet is often preventable, emphasizing a need for better early screening measures. In 2026, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) issued new guidelines for calculating cardiovascular risk, as well as incorporating more precise markers like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), lipoprotein (a) (Lp(a)), apolipoprotein B (apoB), because monitoring LDL as the sole representative of risk is not sufficient.

Routine laboratory testing like fasting glucose and the lipid panel can fail to identify individuals at high risk of atherosclerosis and insulin resistance, and this is why more advanced lipid testing and metabolic and inflammatory lab markers are needed to more precisely distinguish high risk patients for whom lifestyle changes and medications could increase lifespan and enhance the proportion of time spent in good health.

Through patient cases, we will discover how to more precisely assess and decrease cardiometabolic risk by identifying particle burden, inflammation, insulin resistance, and genetics through measurement of hs-CRP, adipokines, apoB, Lp(a) and more. Learn to interpret precision cardiometabolic biomarkers and help patients gain control of their health today.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the limitations of standard lipid panels and routine labs for assessment of ASCVD and metabolic risk.
• Incorporate advanced biomarkers, including those recommended in the updated 2026 ACC/AHA guidelines to enhance early detection of cardiometabolic risk and guide personalized treatment strategies.
• Appreciate the contribution of nutrition and lifestyle to the balance between atherogenic and anti-atherogenic lipoproteins, to enable counsel on effective therapies including behavior change, supplementation, and medication

Presented by Jeannie Gorman, MS, CCN | October 7, 2026 at 12 PM Pacific

Hair analysis provides a noninvasive matrix for evaluating longer-term patterns of exposure to toxic elements and the status of selected essential elements. This presentation will provide clinicians with an evidence-informed and practical overview of the clinical utility of hair element analysis, including how elements are incorporated into hair, factors that can influence results, and appropriate interpretation of findings. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of what hair analysis can, and cannot indicate, and how to distinguish clinically meaningful findings from results requiring additional context or confirmation.

Participants will also explore DDI's methodology for hair element testing, including specimen collection, preparation, analytical technology, reference ranges, and quality considerations. The session will address common environmental, occupational, dietary, and supplemental sources of elemental exposure, as well as the appropriate clinical applications and limitations of hair testing. Attendees will leave with a practical framework for integrating hair element results with patient history and exposure assessment to support appropriate clinical correlation, follow-up testing, and informed patient management.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the biological basis and rationale for using hair as a matrix for elemental assessment.
• Evaluate hair element results within the context of laboratory methodology, reference ranges, specimen collection, and potential sources of variability.
• Differentiate findings that may warrant clinical consideration from those requiring confirmation or additional context.
• Recognize when follow-up testing or additional exposure assessment may be appropriate.