Can You Reverse Heart Disease? Here Are the Facts

There are several studies that prove that heart disease is not only manageable, but that 
it can actually be reversed. Significant lifestyle changes and the use of statins take 
center stage in the fight against this number one killer of Americans. While the changes 
expected are viewed as extreme by some, the results are very impressive. 

Dr. Ornish’s Program for Reversing Heart Disease

As reported on the WebMD website, Ornish reported cases where patients with severe 
heart disease who were waiting for a heart transplant enrolled in his program to great 
benefit. Some of the sufferers improved so much that they no longer needed a heart 
transplant. Ornish writes in his book, The Spectrum, that improvements in blood flow 
and chest pain frequency showed up in less than a month after significant lifestyle 
changes were made. After one year, there were even greater improvements with even 
more drastic results tracked five years later. 

Ornish is quick to report that while modest lifestyle modifications may stop the 
progression of heart disease, more drastic measures are necessary for the reversal of 
this deadly disease. Ornish suggests that a vegetarian diet is required to get those 
dramatic results. Additionally, Ornish believes weight management and taking 
medication recommended by your doctor are also part of the formula for success. 

Reliable Experts Weigh in on Reversal of Heart Disease

Dr. Dean Ornish is not the only reliable voice that is advocating for diet and major 
lifestyle adjustments as a way to reverse heart disease. In a Harvard Health 
Newsletter’s “Ask the Doctor” article, reference is made to documented proof that 
lifestyle changes do reverse heart disease. A dramatic example about the role of diet in 
the advancement of heart disease was discovered when autopsies were performed on 
WWII victims who died of starvation. What was so surprising was the fact that the 
autopsies showed almost no atherosclerosis. 

As published on MedPage Today, in random and controlled trials, a reported 40 percent 
reduction in LDL rates was found in patients who were eating a plant-based diet. 
Surprisingly, even “Big Pharma” has come out in support of using diet and lifestyle 
changes as a first important step in managing heart disease. 

In Western culture where heart disease has long been considered a disease to be 
managed and not cured, there is growing proof that it can be reversed. Patients who 
could no longer enjoy sex or a short walk around the block are changing their diet 
drastically and exercising more so they can return to a life they enjoy. There is little 
doubt that heart disease is reversible if you are willing to take the necessary action 
required.

