At Lake Washington Internal Medicine, Dr. Mona Shawky practices evidence-based arteriology and precision cardiovascular prevention — identifying and extinguishing arterial inflammation before it progresses to heart attack, stroke, or dementia. Our method combines advanced molecular diagnostics, genetic testing, and arterial imaging to halt and reverse cardiovascular disease.
With over three decades of expertise in Internal Medicine and Atherosclerosis, Dr. Mona Shawky has pioneered a clinical approach rooted in arteriology — the science of the vascular system and its 30,000 miles of arteries.
Dr. Shawky’s methodology is grounded in peer-reviewed science showing that arterial disease can be halted, stabilized, and reversed when inflammatory root causes are identified and treated. Using advanced biomarker panels, genomic risk profiling, and multimodal arterial imaging (CIMT, CAC scoring, CT angiography), she identifies “silent” disease years before symptoms emerge — then applies genetically guided, evidence-based therapies to extinguish inflammation at its source.
Patients under our care have experienced measurable reductions in plaque burden, inflammation markers (hsCRP, Lp-PLA2, MPO), and cardiovascular event risk — outcomes documented in longitudinal clinical studies demonstrating up to 98% reduction in heart attacks and strokes compared to standard care.
Lake Washington Internal Medicine employs the BaleDoneen Method®—a peer-reviewed arteriology protocol with published outcomes showing up to 98% reduction in cardiovascular events. This approach doesn’t estimate risk; it detects and treats active arterial disease.
We combine three pillars:
Fire & Root Cause Analysis: Identifying and extinguishing arterial inflammation using advanced biomarkers (hsCRP, Lp-PLA2, MPO, F2-isoprostanes)
Precision Imaging: Visualizing plaque presence, composition, and vulnerability through CIMT, CAC scoring, and CT angiography
Genetically Guided Therapy: Personalizing treatment based on genetic variants affecting lipid metabolism, clotting risk, and inflammatory response
This is evidence-based medicine that transforms arterial health—measurably and predictably.
Unlimited physician access with extended consultations (60–90 minutes). Small patient panel ensures same-day appointments, direct communication, and coordinated specialist care—medicine as it should be practiced.
Evidence-based arteriology detecting and reversing heart attack/stroke risk. Advanced inflammatory biomarkers, genetic testing, and multimodal imaging identify disease years before symptoms—with proven 98% event reduction.
Functional medicine targeting the nine hallmarks of aging. Comprehensive metabolic, hormonal, and mitochondrial optimization combined with early cancer detection (Galleri®, Whole-Body MRI) for extended healthspan.
Standard cardiovascular risk calculators (Framingham, ASCVD) estimate probability—but they can’t detect disease. Two patients with identical “10% risk” may have completely different arterial health: one with clean arteries, another with lipid-rich, inflamed plaque ready to rupture.
We practice arteriology, not traditional cardiology. We don’t wait for symptoms, stress test abnormalities, or myocardial infarction. We look directly at your arteries using advanced imaging and measure inflammatory biomarkers to answer the critical question: **Is there active disease?**
If arterial inflammation is present, we apply genetically informed, evidence-based therapies targeting root causes:
Fire Detection: Identifying Active Arterial Inflammation
Arterial disease begins with inflammation—the “fire” inside your vessel walls that destabilizes plaque and triggers heart attacks and strokes. We measure specific biomarkers that detect this inflammatory process years before structural damage appears on imaging.
Key Biomarkers We Test:
High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) — Marker of systemic and vascular inflammation; levels >2.0 mg/L indicate active arterial fire
Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2)** — Enzyme produced by inflamed plaque; highly specific for cardiovascular risk
Myeloperoxidase (MPO) — White blood cell enzyme indicating plaque vulnerability and rupture risk
F2-Isoprostanes — Gold-standard marker of oxidative stress damaging arterial walls
Fibrinogen — Clotting protein elevated during inflammation; predicts thrombotic events
These markers guide immediate intervention—we don’t wait for plaque to progress. If inflammation is present, we identify and treat the root cause: chronic infection, insulin resistance, genetic lipid disorders, or environmental toxins.
Result: Measurable reduction in inflammatory biomarkers within 3-6 months, significantly lowering cardiovascular event risk.
Disease Imaging: Visualizing What Risk Calculators Can’t See
Traditional risk scores estimate probability. Arterial imaging detects actual disease. We use three complementary modalities to visualize plaque presence, composition, and vulnerability—transforming guesswork into precision.
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) with Plaque Imaging
Non-invasive ultrasound measuring arterial wall thickness and detecting early plaque formation. CIMT >75th percentile for age indicates accelerated arterial aging and high risk. We also assess plaque echogenicity (gray scale median) to distinguish stable from unstable, lipid-rich lesions.
Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Scoring
CT scan quantifying calcified plaque burden in coronary arteries. CAC score >0 confirms coronary artery disease regardless of symptoms or risk scores. Scores >100 indicate significantly elevated event risk requiring aggressive intervention.
Coronary CT Angiography (CCTA)
Advanced imaging visualizing both calcified and non-calcified (soft) plaque—the most dangerous type. CCTA reveals plaque composition, stenosis severity, and high-risk features (low attenuation plaque, positive remodeling, napkin-ring sign) predicting rupture.
This multimodal approach detects disease 10-20 years earlier than symptoms, enabling true prevention—not just risk reduction.
Genetic Profiling: Precision Medicine Guided by Your DNA
Your genetic blueprint determines how you metabolize lipids, respond to inflammation, process nutrients, and clear toxins. One-size-fits-all medicine ignores biology. We use genomic testing to personalize prevention and treatment.
Key Genetic Variants We Assess:
Lipid Metabolism Genes:
APOE (ε2/ε3/ε4 variants) — Determines cholesterol absorption, LDL clearance, and Alzheimer’s risk; guides statin therapy and dietary fat intake
PCSK9 — Loss-of-function variants predict lower LDL and reduced cardiovascular risk; gain-of-function variants require PCSK9 inhibitor therapy
LDLR — Mutations cause familial hypercholesterolemia (FH); early detection prevents premature heart disease
Clotting & Thrombosis Risk:
Factor V Leiden & Prothrombin G20210A — Hypercoagulable states increasing stroke/PE risk; may require anticoagulation
PAI-1 — Impaired clot breakdown; managed with specific nutraceuticals and lifestyle interventions
Inflammation & Oxidative Stress:
KIF6, IL-6, TNF-α polymorphisms — Determine inflammatory burden and response to anti-inflammatory therapies
MPO & NOS3 — Affect endothelial function and nitric oxide production
Metabolic & Detoxification:
TCF7L2 — Diabetes risk variant; guides aggressive insulin resistance screening
MTHFR — Affects homocysteine metabolism; requires methylated B-vitamin supplementation
This genetic data transforms treatment from protocol-driven to biology-driven—prescribing what your body specifically needs, not what guidelines suggest for an average patient.
Our patients describe a care experience that feels different — thoughtful, unhurried, and transformative.
Every relationship begins with trust and grows through continuous understanding and collaboration.
The difference between risk assessment and disease detection is the difference between guessing and knowing. Most physicians estimate probability. We measure arterial inflammation, visualize plaque, and identify genetic vulnerabilities—then we act.
Peer-reviewed outcomes of this approach demonstrate:
• 100% of patients achieve inflammatory biomarker improvement
• Measurable plaque stabilization or regression within 24–36 months
• Up to 98% reduction in heart attacks and strokes versus standard care
At Lake Washington Internal Medicine, Dr. Mona Shawky combines three decades of Internal Medicine expertise with cutting-edge arteriology and functional medicine—offering the time, precision, and evidence-based protocols that save lives.
If you’re serious about prevention, this is medicine practiced at the highest level.
Schedule your comprehensive cardiovascular and metabolic assessment today.
