1999-Dean Ornish's program of strict diet, exercise and stress management has been shown to improve cholesterol levels and promote regression of blockages in the coronary arteries, resulting in a reduction in angina. In a recent Journal of the American Medical Association issue, further data was presented after an additional 5 years of follow-up for 35 patients. Adherence to the demanding program was excellent. Weight loss and low cholesterol levels were maintained without cholesterol lowering drugs. Most importantly, there was further regression of blockages in the coronary arteries during the additional 5 years of follow-up.
Arteriosclerosis is characterized, in part, by a build-up of calcium in the arteries of the heart.
These scans could potentially be used by patients to make sure they are lowering their cholesterol enough. June 6, 1998-It has been known for some time that atherosclerosis begins at a young age. A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine shows just how prevalent this problem is. The researchers performed autopsies on young patients dying from things other than heart disease. Fifty percent of people under the age of 16 years and eight five percent of people under the age of 40 had them in their coronary arteries.