858-500-1399

Mission, Vision & Values

MissionSaving lives through the prevention of heart attack and reversing heart disease.

Vision: A world where heart surgery is the last resort, not the first step.

Values: Heart centered principles that direct our care:

1. Caring, compassionate & competency

2. Best practices based on scientific evidence

3. Results driven to enhance the quality of life for our clients.

Play Video about Mission

Pratiksha Gandhi, MD
Founder & CEO

Heart Strong Wellness, a proprietary program of CoCardio Inc, is the continuation of Pratiksha Gandhi’s lifelong mission to prevent heart attacks and reverse heart disease naturally with holistic solutions as an adjunct to standard care.

Pratiksha Gandhi, MD, has successfully treated over 100,000 clients in India with a success rate of 95% spanning almost three decades in her preventive healthcare career. She has worked with numerous clients from all over the world who seek her expertise after traditional cardiology treatments and surgery have failed.

Now, she wants to bring her expertise and knowledge to San Diego. She is on a mission to bring her knowledge and experience to revolutionizing how we approach heart care and save lives. 

Pratiksha Gandhi, MD, has published five books, has been published in US News, California Herald, Times of India, LA Wire and NY Weekly

Acknowledged by the California Legislature Assembly and honored with the 2016 President’s Volunteer Service Award for exceptional support to GuardaHeart in enhancing heart health and saving lives, Pratiksha Gandhi MD stands as a beacon in the field. In 2016, the International Association of Cardiologists, New York, USA, hailed her as The Leading Physician of the World, and in March 2017, she was proudly awarded the Top 50 Global Women Healthcare Leader.

Dr. Gandhi

Dr. Mark Kalina
Medical Director

With over three decades of experience, Dr. Mark Kalina stands as a stalwart figure in the field of holistic primary care and preventive medicine. After completing his residency at UCSD in 1992, Dr. Kalina embarked on a distinguished career dedicated to understanding and caring for the whole person.


Throughout his career, Dr Kalina has demonstrated a profound commitment to patient-centered care. For 17 years, he served as a primary care physician at Scripps, where he honed his skills in fostering meaningful physician-patient relationships. Additionally, Dr. Kalina’s role as an integrative palliative care specialist at the San Diego Cancer Center underscored his dedication to providing compassionate care to individuals facing life-limiting illnesses.

Dr. Kalina’s passion for integrative medicine led him to Pacific Pearl in La Jolla, where he contributed his expertise to an integrative team focused on reversing cardiovascular disease. His leadership as Medical Director and Group Support Leader of the Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease in the 1990s exemplifies his commitment to innovative approaches to heart health.


As Medical Director for Scripps Clinic Wellness and Prevention Programs, Dr. Kalina played a pivotal role in promoting proactive measures for health and well-being. His involvement in medical missions to Fiji in 2010,2012 and 2021 further highlights his dedication to global health initiatives and underserved communities.

Dr. Kalina’s multifaceted career is a testament to his unwavering dedication to holistic healing, preventive medicine, and compassionate patient care. His contributions have left an indelible mark on the field of integrative cardiology and wellness, inspiring countless individuals to prioritize their health and well-being.

Dr. Mark Kalina

Dr. Venu Prabaker
Preventive Care Physician

Dr. Venu Prabaker, an accomplished physician, boasts an impressive 35 years of experience in aggressive preventive care within the field of internal medicine. Patients consistently rate him between 4.5 to 5 out of 5 stars, a testament to his exceptional care. His professional peers have repeatedly elected him as the best Primary Care Physician (PCP) for nine consecutive years.

Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Prabaker’s achievements also extend into the business world. He has served as the founder and CEO of multiple companies, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit. Additionally, he successfully completed an executive MBA program, further enhancing his business and leadership skills.

Dr. Prabaker’s involvement in medical organizations is equally remarkable. He dedicated 20 years to the San Diego Medical Society as a board member. Currently, he contributes to the Solo and Small Practices division of the California Medical Association.

His academic contributions are equally noteworthy. Dr. Prabaker served as an assistant director of the residency program in Internal Medicine in Cleveland and held the position of assistant professor at Stanford University. His passion for education shines through in his clinic, where he educates students and residents from prestigious universities such as UCSD, USC, UCI, and Yale.

Dr. Venu

B.E. H.A.P.P.Y™ Methodology

Introducing Heart Strong Wellness™ by Co Cardio Inc™, featuring the innovative B.E. H.A.P.P.Y™ Method crafted by our visionary founder and CEO, Pratiksha Gandhi, MD. This groundbreaking approach seamlessly integrates Western medical practices with holistic wellness strategies, elevating the standard of care. We provide comprehensive well-being by harmonizing traditional medical treatments with holistic principles, ensuring a truly balanced and effective approach to heart health. B.E. H.A.P.P.Y™ Method, our proprietary heart-healthy blueprint based on extensive scientific peer reviewed research and field work. 

B – Breath work 

Harness the power of proper breathing exercises to fortify heart health. By incorporating intentional breath work, we promote strength and resilience in cardiovascular well-being.

E – EECP®/ECP

Experience over 144+ benefits with ECP, an FDA-approved medical device utilizing inflatable cuffs. This technology enhances blood flow to the heart and organs, fostering the creation of new collaterals. Elevate your heart health with this advanced approach.

H – Heart Screening Regularly Every Year

Prioritize your heart’s well-being with annual heart screenings—38,821 studies support this practice. Like routine check-ups for your car, regular screenings enable early detection of potential issues, facilitating timely interventions and optimal outcomes.

A – Attitude Determines Altitude


Cultivate a positive mindset, backed by 10,147 studies showing its impact on heart health. Optimism reduces the risk of heart disease and enhances recovery outcomes. For heart clients managing anxiety, a positive attitude aids emotional recovery, promotes treatment adherence, and fosters resilience.

P – Plant-Based Diet

Embrace a lifelong plant-based diet supported by 16,903 studies. Rich in fruits, veggies, legumes, and whole grains, this diet lowers cholesterol, improves blood pressure, and significantly reduces the risk of complications for heart clients—promoting robust vascular health and overall vitality.

P – Physical Cardiovascular Exercise

Unlock the benefits of regular cardiovascular exercise—106,967 studies affirm its impact. Tailored fitness routines for heart clients not only aid in recovery but also enhance heart efficiency and reduce the risk of recurrent events, promoting sustained well-being.

Y – Yoga

Discover the transformative power of yoga with 27,527 studies supporting its role in optimal heart health. Derived from the Sanskrit root “Yuj,” meaning to unite, yoga emphasizes the harmonious union of mind, body, and spirit. Integrating practices like meditation and deep breathing reduces stress—a significant risk factor for heart disease. For heart clients, this integration aids in managing post-diagnosis anxiety and fosters a profound connection with their healing journey.

Research & Evidence-Based Best Practices

Our methods are built on solid research, proven practices, and reviewed by experts.