is it possible to reverse atherosclerotic changes in arteries by lowering blood cholesterol level?

Answer 1

The best available evidence is that in some cases it can, either by eating an *extremely* low fat diet for long periods of time (the Ornish diet, which I've never seen *anyone* stick to long term, since it's so unpalatable), or by taking a high enough statin dose to make your LDL cholesterol at least under 70 and probably under 60, as in the recent ASTEROID trial with Crestor (the specific drug probably matters less than the effect on LDL, don't let the marketing fool you). The amount of regression of coronary stenosis, though, was about 4% over a year, and in a trial of the same drug on carotid stenosis there was no change. Go figure. Probably more important is the ability of statins to *stabilize* blockages, both in the sense of not growing any more and in the sense of preventing them from rupturing, as well as the ability of appropriate diet and exercise to encourage natural collateral vessels to form around the area of blockages.

Answer 2

By lowering cholesterol (fatty stuff in the blood), there is less in the blood, so less is available to clog arteries.

High anti-oxidant foods are important. Eaten at the same time as someone also ingests some fat, and any other time, the anti-oxidants help keep the fat from becoming more dense, which is the type that is more likely to be in the plaques and blockages.

Lots of good cardio exercise helps to use up excess fat in the blood.

High drug doses are not critical. I am on low does Vytorin, after low does Lipitor, and my Total Cholesterol varies from 105-118. LDL 55-62. HDL 37-43, Triglcerides 51-55.

I am pretty much on the Ornish diet. I have to, as anything oily or fatty I may eat gives me chest pain with in hours and I may have chest pain off and on for a week. My arteries are really bad, I've had a triple bypass, and the two main arteries are 100% blocked.

But my energy level is excellent, and I get lots of exercise. My problem is I can't get enough calories to GAIN weight, and I am slim.

Answer 3

Drink Much More Water Drink Like Two Gallons. [[ a day ]] That's What I Do And One Time I Went To The Doctors For A Checkup And He Told Me I Had To Drink More Soda Because My Cholesterol Was Way Down.

Answer 4

According to some studies by Dean Ornish, the answer is yes. Is looks like a very low fat diet can result in improvement in artery plaques.

Answer 5

The level of blood cholesterol has NOTHING to do with the degree of atherosclerosis


This MYTH should have been discarded with the work of Drs Lande and Sperry in 1936.


http://www.ravnskov.nu/myth2.htm



IT CAN ONLY BE REVERSED BY LOWERING CRP LEVELS

LOWER INFLAMMATION


STATINS DO THIS.


http://www.lowcarbmuscle.com/forums/showthread.php?t=162

Answer 6

you cannot reverse it. But you can prevent further damaged to other blood vessels. therefore it will protect you against future atherosclerosis.

Answer 7

The evidence on reversal of damage is inconclusive at this time, however, at least future damage is prevented.

Answer 8

if you lower cholesterol it will lower blood pressure