Dr. Stephen Sinatra, a renowned cardiologist and pioneer of integrative medicine, passed away on June 19, 2022, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 75 years old. In this article, we will look at his life, achievements, and legacy as a healer of hearts.
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Early Life and Inspiration
Dr. Sinatra was born in New York City on October 15, 1946, to Elizabeth Patricia Kelly and Salvatore Charles Sinatra. He grew up loving family, food, dancing, animals, sports, and horseracing. He was inspired to pursue a career as a healer by witnessing his mother’s heartbreaking struggles with type-1 diabetes and blindnes He attended Franklin and Marshall College pre-med on an athletic scholarship, competing as a division-1 wrestler. He graduated from Albany Medical College with an MD in 1972.
Cardiology Career and Innovations
Dr. Sinatra started his cardiology career at Manchester Memorial Hospital in Connecticut, where he went on to serve as Chief of Cardiology, Director of Medical Education, Director of Echocardiography, and Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation. He was board-certified by the American College of Cardiology and was a fellow of the American College of Cardiology since 1977. He also had certifications from the Massachusetts Society for Bioenergetic Analysis, the Certification Board for Nutrition Specialists, the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine (which is not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties or the American Medical Association), and the American College of Nutrition.
Dr. Sinatra soon realized that conventional treatments weren’t enough to keep cardiac patients from returning to the emergency room, and dove into research and educational programs on nutrition, mind-body medicine, and numerous other alternative therapies. He became a true integrative cardiology pioneer, combining the best of conventional and alternative practices in his medicinal protocol. He also became a certified bioenergetic psychotherapist, treating his patients “from the neck up” as well as “from the neck down”.
One of his main areas of expertise was metabolic cardiology, which involves preventing and treating cardiovascular disease at the cellular level with nutraceuticals that improve energy production in heart cells. He was a leading expert on coenzyme Q10, a vital nutrient for heart health that he researched extensively and wrote about in his books and articles. He also lectured about energy medicine, focusing on the use of electroceuticals such as grounding or “earthing” to improve the body’s capacity to heal at the cellular level.
Medical Philosophy and Compassion
Dr. Sinatra believed in treating his patients as partners in their healing process, and as if they were family members. He attended their weddings and funerals, and always fostered hope for healing. He saw his patients as his greatest teachers, and believed that God’s messengers could be anywhere. He also loved pets and saw animals as powerful healers, especially dogs and horses.
Dr. Sinatra advocated treatment approaches that enhance the body’s natural bioenergetics and heal the heart. He promoted five specific pillars of cardiac health: an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, fish, nuts, and healthy oils; targeted nutritional supplements; regular exercise; stress management; and detoxification. He also developed an anti-inflammatory, low-glycemic nutrition plan called the Pan-Asian / Modified Mediterranean (PAMM) Diet.
Dr. Sinatra was also a prolific author, educator, and speaker. He wrote or co-authored more than 20 books on various topics related to heart health and wellness. He published journal articles on cholesterol, coenzyme Q10, inflammation, blood pressure, diabetes, and more. He appeared on national radio and television broadcasts, including The Dr. Oz Show , The Doctors , CNN’s “Sunday Morning News,” XM Radio’s “America’s Doctor Dr. Mehmet Oz,” and PBS’s “Body & Soul”. He was also the author of the monthly newsletter Heart , Health & Nutrition , and founder of Heart MD Institute , an online resource for heart health information.
Legacy and Tributes
Dr. Sinatra’s death was mourned by many people who admired his work and benefited from his care. His obituary described him as “a generous soul with a huge heart” who “lived fully and with tremendous purpose”. His colleagues at Healthy Directions , a company that sells nutritional supplements endorsed by Dr. Sinatra, praised him as “a trailblazer in the field of integrative medicine” who “touched the lives of countless people with his compassionate care, advice and optimism”. His fans and followers on social media expressed their gratitude, condolences, and admiration for his legacy.
Dr. Sinatra is survived by his wife Jan, his children Drew, Stephanie, and Tommy, his stepchildren Jennifer and David, his grandchildren, and his siblings. He was laid to rest at the Resurrection Cemetery in Westbrook, Connecticut.
Dr. Stephen Sinatra cause of death was pancreatic cancer, but his life was a celebration of heart health and healing. He will be remembered as a visionary doctor who combined science and spirituality to help people live longer and better. He was a true healer of hearts.
