Can Lifestyle Changes Reverse Coronary Atherosclerosis?

Most physicians are familiar with the evidence linking diet, cigarette smoking, lack of exercise, and emotional stress to the development of coronary heart disease. These relationships imply that it might be possible to arrest or even reverse the course of coronary disease by lifestyle changes that reduce cardiovascular risks. Studies my colleagues and I have conducted to evaluate a comprehensive life-change program – combining a strict low-fat vegetarian diet,moderate aerobic exercise, abstinence from smoking, and stress management training – have shown measurable regression of disease in patients with severe coronary atherosclerosis.