Is Coronary Artery Disease Reversible?

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death among both women and men in the United States. About 5% of adults 20 or older have CAD, according to the CDC, and roughly 20% of deaths among people under age 65 are due to CAD.

At TLC Medical Group Inc., Anthony B. Lewis, MD, FACC, and his team specialize in treating CAD, offering comprehensive treatment plans focused on helping patients reduce their risks, improve their heart health, and potentially reverse the course of their disease. Here’s what you need to know about CAD and what you can do to protect your heart health.

Understanding CAD

Like every other organ in your body, your heart depends on a regular supply of blood to function properly. Your coronary arteries deliver that blood to your heart — but if you have CAD, oxygen delivery is impaired, and that can lead to symptoms like chest pain, heart attack, and even death.

CAD almost always happens when sticky cholesterol deposits, called plaques, collect along the inner walls of the arteries, narrowing arteries and making it harder for blood to pass through. Plaque buildup leads to an inflammatory problem called atherosclerosis, which causes about half of all deaths in Western countries.

Coronary artery disease is associated with a number of risk factors, including:

High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Smoking
Obesity
Older age
Poor dietary habits
Sedentary lifestyle
Diabetes

If you have one or more family members who have CAD, particularly heart disease at a young age, your risk of developing CAD yourself also increases.

Reversing CAD

CAD is a severe health problem, but the good news is it can be managed and, in some cases, even reversed. If you don’t have CAD yet, it can also be prevented. Preventing or reversing CAD can be prevented with a few simple, healthy lifestyle changes.

Healthy diet

Cutting out processed foods and foods high in fats, salt, and sugars helps you maintain a healthy weight while also reducing the risks of plaque buildup and inflammation. Instead, focus on whole grains, healthy fats, lean protein, fruits and vegetables, nuts, and low-fat dairy.

Regular exercise

Your heart is a muscle; like your other muscles, it benefits from regular exercise. The American Heart Association recommends aiming for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. Walking, running, swimming, and even dancing are fun options for pumping your heart. Of course, if you lead a sedentary lifestyle, it’s important to talk to our team or your family doctor to make sure you’re medically cleared for exercise before beginning a new routine.

Smoking cessation

If you smoke, quitting is extremely important for preventing CAD complications and improving your heart health (and your overall health, too). You can find tips to help you quit at SmokeFree.org.

Weight management

Excess weight puts more strain on your heart and can also increase your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Managing your weight protects your heart and makes engaging in an active lifestyle easier, too.

Regular doctor visits

If you have an underlying medical problem that increases your risk of CAD, like hypertension or diabetes, taking steps to manage that condition is essential. Regular visits with our team are also crucial for ensuring your medical treatment stays on track with your needs, especially as you age.

Regular checkups are essential, too

CAD can’t always be completely reversed, but its risks can definitely be reduced through healthy lifestyle changes and regular visits with our team.

If you have CAD or if you have risk factors for CAD, don’t delay care. Request an appointment online or over the phone with Dr. Lewis and the team at TLC Medical Group in Port St. Lucie, Florida, today.