Can Coronary Heart Disease Be Reversed?

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death across the world. While genetics do play a role, environmental factors contribute greatly to the condition. Simple lifestyle changes, in addition to medication and surgery, can help to reverse CHD.

Identification

• Coronary heart disease is a narrowing of the blood vessels that restricts the flow of blood and oxygen to the heart. It is also referred to as coronary artery disease (CAD) or commonly as "hardening of the arteries."

Lifestyle

• Can coronary heart disease be reversed? The simple answer is yes, in some ways. Lifestyle changes like smoking cessation can help restore functionality of arteries. So can a healthier diet that's focused on lowering cholesterol, blood pressure and weight.

Mental

• Techniques to relieve stress are helpful. "Depression, anxiety, and other negative emotions have been associated with an increased risk for coronary heart disease," says The American Academy of Family Physicians.

Medication

• Medications like ACE inhibitors to lower blood pressure, antiplatelet drugs to thin the blood, calcium channel blockers to relax arteries, and statins to lower cholesterol may be utilized, according to the New York Times.

Surgery

• Operations like angioplasty, stenting and bypass surgery can help reverse coronary heart disease to an extent. "These procedures increase blood supply to your heart but they are not a cure for coronary artery disease," says The Cleveland Clinic. "You will still need to focus on reducing your risk factors to prevent or reduce future disease."