A common question we get from patients is, “Is reversing heart disease possible?” The answer is a little bit complicated and depends on how far it has progressed. Let’s start by looking at how it develops.
The medical term for heart disease is “atherosclerosis”, which essentially means hardening of arteries. Atherosclerosis is a process that occurs over time. Cholesterol in the bloodstream deposits in arteries that feed the heart. Over time, the deposits harden into plaques that eventually cause the walls of the artery to become stiff. Overall, plaque build-up leads to narrowed and hardened arteries, which can then rupture or become blocked and lead to heart attack.
Once a person has developed plaque and hardening in their heart arteries, reversing heart disease is unlikely. Instead, treatment is focused on preventing progression of the plaques using lifestyle changes like healthy eating and exercise and utilizing medications.
Because reversing heart disease is impossible once the arteries harden up, major emphasis is placed on preventing it before it has a chance to develop. We encourage every patient to take the following steps:
- Do not smoke! Smoking is a major risk factor for development of atherosclerosis.
- Maintain a healthy blood pressure. The goal for most patients is less than 140/90.
- Exercise regularly, at least 30 minutes of at least moderate-intensity exercise 5 days per week.
- Eat a healthy diet that:
- Limit salt
- Reduce saturated fats, sugar, and processed foods
- Increases fiber, vegetables, leafy greens, with some fruit
- Limit alcohol intake
- Know your cholesterol levels. Elevated levels of total cholesterol are associated with increased risk of heart disease.
- Preventive medications - Your doctor may recommend you take a low-dose aspirin and a "statin" medication to reduce your risk of developing atherosclerosis.
Living a heart healthy lifestyle can be challenging but can be extremely beneficial to a long, healthy life. Make an appointment with a Northwest Family Clinics provider today to learn more about what you can do to prevent or with reversing heart disease.