Changes in lifestyle and psychosocial status can decrease morbidity, mortality, and even reverse the course of coronary artery disease (CAD).1–4 One example is the Lifestyle Heart Trial (LHT), in which a predominantly male sample of patients was asked to make comprehensive lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, stress management, group support).
Substantial decreases of cardiovascular risk factors and events, reversal of coronary atherosclerosis, and improvement in myocardial perfusion in the intervention group were reported. 2–4
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Vigorous Risk Factor Modification”
Reverse & Prevent Heart Disease
We examined the ability of patients enrolled in the Lifestyle Heart Trial to sustain intensive lifestyle changes for a total of five years and the effects of these lifestyle changes on coronary heart disease. We measured adherence to lifestyle changes, changes in coronary artery percent diameter stenosis, and cardiac events. Outcomes in the experimental group showed significant improvement relative to controls. Additionally, compared to 1 year follow up, 5 year follow ups showed greater improvement relative to controls.
“Intensive Lifestyle Changes for Reversal of Coronary Heart Disease”
Journal of the American Medical Association (PDF)
“Changes in Myocardial Perfusion Abnormalities by Positron Emission Tomography After Long-Term, Intense Risk Factor Modification”
Journal of the American Medical Association (PDF)
“Can Lifestyle Changes Reverse Coronary Heart Disease?”
The Lancet (PDF)
“Effects of Stress Management Training & Dietary Changes in Treating Ischemic Heart Disease”
Journal of the American Medical Association (PDF)
“Improved Stenosis Geometry by Quantitative Coronary Arteriography After
American Journal of Cardiology (PDF)
“Statins and the Soul of Medicine”
American Journal of Cardiology (PDF)
“Improvement in Medical Risk Factors & Quality of Life in Women and Men With Coronary Artery Disease in the Multicenter Lifestyle Demonstration Trial”
American Journal of Cardiology (PDF)
“Long Term Effects of Lifestyle Changes on Well-Being and Cardiac Variables Among Coronary Heart Disease Patients”
Health Psychology (PDF)
“The Contribution of Changes in Diet, Exercise, and Stress Management in Coronary Risks in Women and Men in the Multisite Cardiac Lifestyle Intervention Program”
Annals of Behavioral Medicine (PDF)
“Lifestyle Changes and Clinical Profile in Heart Disease Patients with an Ejection Fraction of ≤40% or ≥ 40% in the Multicenter Lifestyle Demonstration Project”
The European Journal of Heart Failure (PDF)
“Effects of Pomegranite Juice Consumption on Myocardial Perfusion in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease”
American Journal of Cardiology (PDF)
“Angina Pectoris and Atherosclerotic Risk Factors in the Multisite Cardiac Lifestyle Intervention Program”
American Journal of Cardiology (PDF)
“Socioeconomic Status and Improvements in Lifestyle, Coronary Risk Factors, and Quality of life: The Multisite Cardiac Lifestyle Intervention Program”
American Journal of Public Health (PDF)
“Relation of B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Levels to Body Mass Index After Comprehensive Lifestyle Changes”
American Journal of Cardiology (PDF)
“Dean Ornish, MD: A Conversation With the Editor
American Journal of Cardiology (PDF)