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How do you reverse heart disease naturally?

Medically reviewed by drugclasses.com. Last updated on Oct 20, 2023.

Official answer

by drugclasses.com

Lifestyle modifications are recommended to help prevent and slow the progress of heart disease. Reversing heart disease was reported to be possible more than 20 years ago by following a program of intensive lifestyle modifications (including a low-fat, strict plant-based diet, aerobic exercise program, stress management training, smoking cessation and support group participation), which later became known as the Ornish Lifestyle Medicine Program. However, the study that reported the findings had a number of limitations and larger, longer-term studies are still needed to confirm the results.

Making lifestyle modifications may help you to naturally reduce or avoid risk factors for heart disease. Recommended changes include:

  • Stop smoking and avoid second-hand smoke
  • Exercise at a moderate intensity for 30 to 60 minutes a day on most days of the week
  • Eat healthy foods - a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and low in saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium and added sugar is recommended
  • Maintain a healthy weight - a BMI of less than 25 and a waist circumference of 35 inches (88.9 centimeters) or less is the goal
  • Reduce stress as much as possible - practice techniques for managing stress, such as muscle relaxation and deep breathing
  • Limit alcohol
  • Sleep - get a good night's sleep
References
  1. Ornish D, Scherwitz LW, Billings JH, Gould KL, Merritt TA, Sparler S, Armstrong WT, Ports TA, Kirkeeide RL, Hogeboom C, Brand RJ. Intensive Lifestyle Changes for Reversal of Coronary Heart Disease. JAMA. 1998;280(23):2001-2007. https://doi:10.1001/jama.280.23.2001

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What types of drugs are used for treating heart disease?

The most common medicines used to treat and help prevent worsening heart disease include:

  • Statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) and other cholesterol-lowering medicines
  • Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
  • Calcium channel blockers / calcium antagonists
  • Beta blockers
  • Isosorbide or nitroglycerin
  • Antiplatelet drugs, like aspirin or clopidogrel
  • Warfarin or other blood thinners
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Why is physical activity so important in preventing heart disease?

Physical activity prevents heart disease by helping you maintain a healthy weight and keeping your joints mobile to allow you to do daily activities such as climbing stairs and shopping. This keeps your heart pumping and blood and oxygen flowing around your body. Physical activity has also been shown to lower stress hormones and reduce your risk of depression or cognitive decline (this is how you think or learn, and your judgment skills). When you feel good about yourself and the world you live in, then you are more inclined to be active and to take good care of yourself, which helps your heart as well. It also boosts your immune system, causing changes in antibodies and white blood cells which are the body’s immune cells that fight disease. This can lower your risk of catching infections, such as the cold or the flu, or help flush bacteria out of the lungs and airways. Continue reading

How can you check for heart disease at home?

You can check for heart disease at home by measuring your pulse rate and your blood pressure if you have a blood pressure monitor. To measure your pulse you will need an analog watch (one with a clock face rather than digital numbers) with a second hand. Place your index and middle finger of your hand on the hollow part of your inner wrist of the other arm, just below the base of the thumb. You should feel a tapping or pulse against your fingers, that is your heartbeat. Look at your watch and count the number of taps you feel in 10 seconds. Multiply that number by 6 to find out your heart rate for 1 minute. Continue reading

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