$Unique_ID{BRK02372}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Can Lifestyle Affect Heart Disease?}
$Subject{atherosclerosis hardening arteries life style coronary artery disease
lifestyle heart blocked angina attacks attack block blockage arteriosclerosis
circulatory system}
$Volume{G-23,G-3,G-4}
$Log{
Atherosclerosis of Arteries*0009301.scf
Risk Factors of Atherosclerosis*0009302.scf}

Copyright (c) 1992,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Can Lifestyle Affect Heart Disease?


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QUESTION:  My studies all indicate that my atherosclerosis (hardening of the
arteries) is advanced enough to be concerned.  Now the question is what should
I do about it?  Do you really think there is any benefit to all these life
style changes you keep writing about.  Can they reverse the path I seem to be
on and are they worth the effort.

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ANSWER:  Worth the effort?  That is totally up to you.  Reverse the course of
your coronary artery disease?  Yes, sir!  But it is not easy to do, nor is it
a cop out to try to avoid medications or surgery.  The best statistics come
from the Life-style Heart Trial.  Those people did it all; low-fat vegetarian
diet, stress management techniques in their every day living, no smoking, and
a moderate amount of exercise each day.  The diets were rigidly controlled,
and contained only 10 percent fat, instead of the conventional 30 percent.
The rest was divided 12-20 percent proteins and 70-75 percent carbohydrates
(predominately complex).  All caffeine containing beverages were eliminated
and alcohol was discouraged.  The results after 1 year showed a slight opening
of their partially blocked arteries compared to progression of the condition
in the control group.  And the frequency of angina attacks went down 91
percent as well.
     While the life-style modifications demanded in this study may not be for
everyone, it does provide proof that the slow progression of coronary artery
disease may not only be stopped but reversed.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.