But once heart disease starts, can the damage be undone? According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), these risk factors increase in males after age 45 and in females after age 55. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. This can lead to conditions like heart disease, high blood pressure, or even a stroke (if the plaque matter bursts and releases a clot) [2]. How I Reversed 20 years of Arterial Plaque. Aim for at least. (2022). No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School. If blood can't get to these areas, tissue damage (and eventually tissue death) can occur. Sign up now and get a FREE copy of theBest Diets for Cognitive Fitness. But they are typically covered by thick, fibrous caps that can resist breaking apart. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) deposits cholesterol into blood vessel walls. Reduce saturated fat sources like fatty meat and dairy. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Bird Flu Deaths Prompt U.S. to Test Vaccine in Poultry, COVID Treatment in Development Appears Promising, Marriage May Help Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check, Getting Outdoors Might Help You Take Fewer Meds, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk. Knowing how to unclog arteries means understanding which foods and micronutrients look after your cardiovascular system. . Carrying extra weight increases your LDL cholesterol. If you were diagnosed with arterial blockages, now is the time to reverse plaque and prevent additional buildup. [10] Aside from stabilizing plaques, you can also reduce cardiovascular inflammation. This time, 391 subjects were followed for four years. Cannon recommends that you: Eat a Mediterranean diet.It can reduce heart disease risk by 30%. 2019 Dec;67(6):450-5. Parents don't always realize that their teen is suicidal. Shortness of breath. Taking part in cardiovascular exercise, otherwise known as cardio, on a regular basis may also help strengthen the heart and reduce plaque. This is the process that produces harmful soft plaque. In excess amounts, LDL cholesterol can create fatty deposits along your blood vessels. I loved it, and I did well; I even ended up running the preventive medicine program there. BONUS! 2023 by The President and Fellows of Harvard College, Do not sell my personal information | Privacy Policy. Instead, a doctor may recommend procedures or surgery to remove plaque or bypass the blockages. I spent seven years after medical school completing my training in interventional cardiology or using catheters to treat heart disease. Shift work can harm sleep and health: What helps? But when it comes cardiovascular disease, the primary cause of death among people in industrialized countries, garlic is a true superstar ( 5 ). The lower dose also impacts inflammation by decreasing it; the lower dose doesnt cause diabetes. , and get access to our CV inflammation course. 2016 Dec;64(6):603-9. It is important to continue a heart-healthy diet and regular physical activity even if youre taking a cholesterol-lowering medication. Ornish D, Brown SE, Scherwitz LW, et al. A study from 2011 found that drinking 6 cups of rooibos tea per day for 6 weeks helped to lower the amount of LDL cholesterol in the blood in adults who were at risk for heart diseases. Bypass surgery may be recommended instead, depending on the location of the blocked artery and if the blockage is severe. The liver produces 75% of the body's cholesterol, but all cells have the ability to make it. Reducing your body weight by 3% to 5% can benefit your health, including your cholesterol. Common sweetener erythritol tied to higher risk of stroke and heart attack, Gout: How metabolic syndrome may increase the risk, A new therapeutic target for the prevention of heart failure due to aortic stenosis, Skipping breakfast and fasting may compromise the immune system, Everything you need to know about carotid artery disease, What to know about coronary artery disease, products with partially hydrogenated oils, otherwise known as trans fats, some vegetable oils including sunflower and olive, fatty fish, including trout, herring, and salmon. Its formation involves a complex process in which waxy cholesterol adheres to the arterial walls, causing them to thicken, harden, and narrow. A study has found that fatty plaques in the arteries that supply the heart, brain, and legs with blood rapidly build up in people between the ages of 40 and 50 years.Share on Pinterest According to a new study, many healthy people aged between 40 and 50 years experience rapid development of atherosclerosis. With severe blockages, doctors may perform surgery called a heart bypass to make sure the blood can get around the obstructed artery. Reduction in saturated fat intake for cardiovascular disease. A plaque in an artery that supplies your brain may cause sudden but temporary symptoms like numbness, weakness, trouble speaking, changes in vision, or drooping face muscles. The 9p21 gene that I have is also related to diabetes, another reason why I should have discovered my insulin resistance earlier. Since then, Ive combined interventional cardiology with a search for lifestyle and supplement-based methods to stabilize and reverse plaque buildup. All had asymptomatic atherosclerosis of either the carotid artery or the femoral artery (which provides blood to the leg). This makes sense since both these plant nutrients are free-radical scavengers. You get these medications as a shot every 2-4 weeks. Coronary artery disease is a common complication associated with clogged arteries. Don't miss your FREE gift. You can unclog your arteries with natural methods, including diet, exercise, and stress management. Iqbal, M. P. (2014, January-February). From there, he made a career of practicing and managing preventive medicine and primary care clinics. To understand plaque, you need to understand the artery first. Want to reduce your risk of dementia? Is this something I can have cured or get rid of, or is keeping it from getting worse the best I can do? Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Stop stenting; Start reversing atherosclerosis. Second, I discovered that I got some genetic challenges that predispose me to heart disease risks. There are some risk factors for clogged arteries that people can manage themselves, including: When someone employs the tips listed above, they will be taking a step in the right direction. Since then, other studies have shown similar results. The drugs used most often to reduce LDL cholesterol levels are statinssuch as atorvastatin (Lipitor) and rosuvastatin (Crestor). 2020 Feb;68(1):15-21. You can explore this model using your mouse pad or touchscreen. A. These are designed for use alongside other heart-healthy measures, such as diet and exercise. new calcifications were halted. If you identify the condition early, it's possible to prevent further damage by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Plaque forms when cholesterol lodges in the wall of the artery. Plaques consist of cholesterol and fatty substances, calcium, fibrin, and cell waste. When prevention methods are not effective, a person may need medical intervention to try and alleviate the effects of clogged arteries. This mix can stick to the walls of the arteries, making these blood vessels narrower. Stress reduction. Boost your fiber consumption. Enable collaborative features and customize widget: An error on our end has caused the item you were trying to add to your cart to fail, please try again or call, Chemistry Panel & Complete Blood Count (CBC), https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronary-artery-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20350613, Reversal of Calcification and Atherosclerosis, This combination of plant extracts may reverse the progression of. Understanding the Link: L-Carnitine, TMAOs, and Cardiovascular Risk, Stopping Statins: Be Careful if you do this!! Some of the best evidence that coronary artery disease is reversible comes from autopsies performed on people who lived through prolonged periods of starvation during World War II. cardiovascular events, and did not have diabetes or metabolic problems. Experts believe that may be due to ongoing inflammation in blood . Aim to get at least 150 minutes of exercise at a moderate intensity per week. Ginger supplementation may also improve significant markers that can lead to cardiovascular events, according to a 2016 study. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts. But the soft plaque beneath the cap is dangerous. More information at www.consumerlab.com/survey. . (Brad Bale and Amy Doneen discussed this. Check out these simple ways to lower your. However, too big cracks will let certain proteins and molecules to pass through, which is not ideal. Its important to work with a doctor to create a treatment plan if you have clogged arteries. A doctor may recommend medications to lower LDL cholesterol to use alongside dietary changes. Most people with CAD benefit from taking statins, drugs that lower levels of LDL bad cholesterol in your blood. Niacin is an over-the-counter supplement, and you get up to about 2 grams daily. These atherosclerotic subjects were treated with similar interventions as the studies already discussed. Heart Disease: What Are the Medical Costs? But in my late 50s, I ran into a problem: I found plaque in my arteries on a CIMT (Carotid Intima-Media Thickness) test equivalent to a 73-yo-man. The bodys immune system sends white blood cells to attack LDL in the plaque. After these scientific findings were published, this pine bark-Centella extract combination became a routine The report also focuses on treatments based on the latest scientific evidence, including the pros and cons of statins and other medications, and provides the lowdown on other substances advertised to lower cholesterol. But did I really had a good lifestyle? "For example, if your blood pressure spikes, it puts pressure on the thin wall of the plaque, which can break open, form a clot, and cause a heart attack," says Dr. Cannon. (2022). A range of herbal teas is available for purchase online. Dont fret; this is normal for intima. The arteries are types of blood vessels. In some cases, doctors may also prescribe medications to lower cholesterol. An HDL of 60 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or greater is associated with a lower risk of heart disease. If someone tells you that you cant reverse plaque, dont believe it. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Another way to manage this is via supplements. These cells release enzymes meant to digest and dissolve the plaque, turning any solid plaque into liquefied or hot plaque. Slowly build up your routine and your stamina. Schade DS, et al. How Viagra became a new 'tool' for young men, Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction, http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/AboutCholesterol/Atherosclerosis_UCM_305564_Article.jsp#, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/atherosclerosis, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD011737/full, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3955571/, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0378874110006379, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5093315/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5475232/, http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Cholesterol/PreventionTreatmentofHighCholesterol/Know-Your-Fats_UCM_305628_Article.jsp#.Wp_Uxejwa1t, https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/94/2/601/4597944. The same research team evaluated the efficacy of the pine bark-Centella combination in asymptomatic atherosclerotic patients with coronary artery calcifications.6, Patients with atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries those that supply the heart with bloodcan experience angina, shortness of breath, and even a heart attack.7. Journal of the American College of Cardiology: 2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol:A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association TaskForceonClinical Practice Guidelines., JAMA: Effect of Evolocumab on Progression of Coronary Disease in Statin-Treated Patients: The GLAGOV Randomized Clinical Trial, Effect of Very High-Intensity Statin Therapy on Regression of Coronary Atherosclerosis: The ASTEROID Trial, Intensive Lifestyle Changes for Reversal of Coronary Heart Disease., Journal of the American Heart Association: Physical Activity in the Prevention and Treatment of Coronary Artery Disease., MedlinePlus: Cholesterol Levels: What You Need to Know, Coronary Artery Disease., The New England Journal of Medicine: Two Phase 3 Trials of Inclisiran in Patients with Elevated LDL Cholesterol., Ornish.com: 5 Simple Steps to a Healthier Heart.. These include: Taken together, all these steps can help lower your risk of having a heart attack or stroke, Nissen says. Our goal is to help you understand how to prevent major killers and disablers. By taking action, you can reduce the chances of having a heart attack, which may happen if the plaque thats lining your arteries blocks blood flow to the heart. Minerva Cardioangiol. Too much alcohol can also affect your heart. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Talk with a doctor if you need help quitting smoking. A combination of two plant extracts significantly reduced arterial plaque in the carotid arteries. As plaque builds up over time, it can narrow the blood vessels diameter. It covers cholesterol tests and the genetics of cholesterol. Are there natural ways to unclog arteries? Three treatment groups were formed. Discover nutrients you need for optimal health, Stay informed with Life Extension Magazine, From basic health panels to genetic testing. Through cracks in the intima, hot plaque can leak into the bloodstream and form a clot. Many past presidents of the American College of Preventive Medicine went under my tutelage. Eat leaner cuts of meat. If you smoke, talk about smoking cessation programs with a doctor. This disease is the accumulation of cholesterol-laden plaque inside the arteries nourishing your heart, a process known as atherosclerosis. Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! Its been shown to significantly lower LDL levels, and with it, some of the plaque associated with coronary artery disease, Fonarow says. Energy-boosting coffee alternatives: What to know. Statin medications are a common option. Nettleton, J. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Coronary artery disease reduces blood flow to your heart. Apart from decreasing blood pressure, ACE inhibitors also reduce inflammation. Eating specific foods cannot cleanse plaques out of the. Can processed foods be part of a healthy diet. dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH). Quitting smoking is also be effective in shrinking plaque, as smoking damages arteries. Don't miss your FREE gift. When cells need more cholesterol, the liver sends it via the bloodstream in packages made of cholesterol on the inside and protein on the outside. Taking steps to prevent or slow down the formation of plaque is the best way to avoid clogged arteries at any stage in life. At that time, I read a study in a respected medical journal focusing on atherosclerosis, which often leads to heart attacks and strokes. According to the AHA, smoking is a major risk factor. Many doctors prescribe statins and lifestyle changes to get LDL levels below 70 mg/dL in people at high risk of having a heart attack in the next 10 years. The report spells out what are healthy and unhealthy cholesterol levels, and offers specific ways to keep cholesterol in line. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, cutting out red meat, and reducing alcohol consumption can help. Current evidence is beginning to indicate that 4q25 also has some risk associated with heart attack and stroke. According to the AHA, unsaturated fats may help improve blood cholesterol when eaten instead of trans or saturated fats. Avoid smoking. Trans fatty acids a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Managing Your Cholesterol can also help you work with your doctor to individualize your treatment. The enzymes are measured by two blood tests named after them: When hot plaque touches blood, it can form a clot. Everything stuck between these two layers can form plaque, composed mainly of LDL, , more popularly (albeit, erroneously) referred to as the , LDL is just one type of vehicle that carries cholesterol inside the body. https://bit.ly/PrevMedTranslationServices to improve my HDL, decrease my LDL, and decrease my triglycerides. There are many ways to manage stress,. After seeing too many preventable heart attacks, he went to Johns Hopkins to learn Preventive Medicine. He was also the Chief Medical Officer for MDLIVE, the second largest telemedicine company. BONUS! I didnt know about my. (Normal LDL cholesterol is usually defined as anything lower than 100 mg/dL.). These include: Research from 2019 notes that a low fat, plant-based diet can effectively reverse coronary artery disease. The growth of cholesterol plaques slowly blocks blood flow in the arteries. Its never too late to eat a healthier diet. Pycnogenol(R) and Centella asiatica to prevent asymptomatic atherosclerosis progression in clinical events. thats associated with type 2 diabetes risk. American Heart Association Editorial Staff. Wilkins JT, et al. Larger studies provide new evidence that arterial calcification and blockages are reversible. But studies of intensive cholesterol lowering with statins have yielded mixed results atherosclerosis might decrease in one area but continue to grow in another. If you want to know more about the science of preventive medicine or you have questions about certain aspects of your health, check out our webinars, membership programs, and online courses. Other parts of a healthy lifestyle wont necessarily reverse coronary artery disease but may prevent it from getting worse. Simple cardio activities that raise the heart rate include: A person should aim to do 30 to 60 minutes of exercise that raises the heart rate for a good workout. Heres some simple lifestyle changes and natural remedies to prevent heart attacks and stay healthy after, Lowering your cholesterol might sound like an overwhelming undertaking, but it doesnt have to be. The report spells out what are healthy and unhealthy cholesterol levels, and offers specific ways to keep cholesterol in line. One review of scientific studies found there was a small but possibly important reduction in the risk of cardiovascular issues when people cut down on saturated fats and replaced them with unsaturated fats. We want to encourage people to make dietary changes that theyll be able to stick with long-term, he says. Oxidative stress, a driver of atherosclerosis, was measured in the blood of all subjects and was lower in the group taking the pine bark and Centella extracts. Garlic. A medication called inclisiran, now in clinical trials, lowers cholesterol by preventing production of PCSK9 in the liver. The enzymes are measured by two blood tests named after them: MPO (myeloperoxidase) and Lp-PLA2 (lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2). Its not all just atrial fibrillation, though. A person's arteries can become clogged by a buildup of a substance called plaque. Which artery is Widowmaker? All subjects received standard diet, exercise, and lifestyle counselling and took 100 mg/day of aspirin. Aortic calcification is a condition in which the aorta, the large artery that carries blood from the heart, becomes hard and narrow. "Shrinking plaques with strong statins has been seen when you get LDL below 70 (mg/dL)," says Dr. Cannon. Arterial plaque does not form because you eat an extra egg for breakfast. Moreover, I practiced a good lifestyle, performed regular exercises, and observed a good diet. That number declined to 12% in the aspirin group and to just 3.5% in the group taking aspirin plus the two plant extracts. It does not, A person's arteries can become clogged when plaques build up inside them, reducing blood flow. After a year, my arterial age further dropped to 52 (lower than my actual age of 59 at that time). This will be especially helpful for a person who is at risk of a plaque buildup or atherosclerosis. This article lists 15 foods that may help prevent it. 2023 by The President and Fellows of Harvard College, Do not sell my personal information | Privacy Policy. At the end of the three years, more than 20% of patients in the standard management and the aspirin group had progressed to more severe and extensive atherosclerotic plaque. The duration of this trial was three years.5. Plaque is a mixture of fat, calcium, cholesterol, and waste from the cells in the body. That triggers muscle cells in the artery wall to multiply and form a cap over the area. Sources include: The AHA recommend that people aiming to lower their LDL cholesterol eat a diet rich in: They also recommend limiting sugary foods, red meat, and sugar-sweetened beverages. University of Michigan Health: Smoking and Coronary Artery Disease., University of Rochester Medical Center: Stress Can Increase Your Risk for Heart Disease.. Eating a plant-based diet involves limiting or completely removing animal products from your diet, including: Additionally, plant-based fats, such as olive oil, may help reduce your risk of heart disease, according to the American Heart Association. Just 8.9% of these patients had progression of atherosclerotic plaques. A few years ago, a human study found that a combination of two plant extracts significantly reduced arterial plaque in the carotid arteries when added to diet, exercise, and healthy lifestyle counselling.1. This may include brisk walks. If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027. They can recommend smoking cessation programs and other resources. My name is Ford Brewer. Too much LDL in the blood can cause cholesterol to lodge in the artery walls and form plaques. Bots ML, Evans GW, Tegeler CH, et al. 2017 Feb;65(1):24-31. One possible option is the dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) eating plan, which emphasizes eating vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while limiting saturated fat, sugar, and salt. Health-status outcomes with invasive or conservative care in coronary disease. French maritime pine bark-Centella asiatica extracts prevent plaque progression. That increases your risk for plaque buildup. Click this link for more Videos!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmoEsq6a6ePXxgZeA4CVrUw?sub_confirmation=1The Demonization of Statinshttps://lnkd.in/g-TsVw9Early Bird Book Launch:https://lnkd.in/gZzdatCABOUT THIS VIDEO:I've focused on lifestyle, especially diet, most of my career. A procedure may be necessary to prevent complications. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts. When you have a lot of LDL, the excess cholesterol floats through your body and may stick to your arterial walls. Statins, especially when taken at high doses, have also been linked to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. It is rich in olive oil, fruits, vegetables, nuts and fish; low in red or processed meats; and moderate in the amounts of cheese and wine you can consume. 2. You may be able to do a lot to stop the condition from getting worse. Most of them are driven by the process of cardiovascular inflammation. Learn about tips for having a heart-healthy diet and what the research says about the effects of alcohol, calcium, sugar, and caffeine on your heart. This clot (shown as the black thing in the image below) could break off, go to the heart, cause a heart attack, and may kill the patient. The 20 year plaque build up that's clogging up your arteries can become deadly but if you act sooner rather than later the inevitable can be averted. By going with fasting and low-carb diets, I have been keeping my blood sugar, insulin, and. Coronary calcium score is an excellent screening tool. Feeling frazzled? If you have the gumption to make major changes to your lifestyle, you can, indeed, reverse coronary artery disease. Lost your password? I was particularly impressed by a published study that reported on a combination of extracts of French maritime pine bark and an herbal extract called Centella asiatica. When added to standard diet, exercise, and lifestyle counselling, these two plant extracts improved plaque stability and reduced size and numbers of arterial plaques.1, The study involved 50 patients with plaque in the carotid arteries, which There's also the downside that a calcium scan only detects hard, calcified plaque, not soft plaque. Another medication called ezetimibe (Zetia) may be added to inhibit the absorption of cholesterol in the digestive tract. Much of my practice involved inserting stents to prop open coronary arteries that were occluded with atherosclerotic plaque. Chronic high levels of stress hormones such as cortisol raise blood cholesterol and also cause changes that promote the buildup of plaque in your arteries. Energy-boosting coffee alternatives: What to know. As for blood pressure medications, I switched from, (Ramipril). Here are some additional tips that may help you prevent plaque buildup. You can check out my nomograms in this video. (2020). A persons arteries can become clogged by a buildup of a substance called plaque. Its about cardiovascular inflammation. Symptoms of blocked or clogged arteries can include: 2. Whereas LDL particles deposit cholesterol into plaques of atherosclerosis, some high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles help remove cholesterol from plaques. Ive observed these powerful results in my clinic as well. Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight lossfrom exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. Plaque tends to build up over time. While your efforts may halt plaque formation and even shrink it, the plaque probably never disappears. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? So what can you do to make your heart healthier than it [] In some cases, efforts can even reverse some of the damage to improve your heart health. Carotid Intima-media Thickness Measurements: Relations with Atherosclerosis, Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Application in Randomized Controlled Trials. Take stress test as an examplea, Contrary to popular notion, heart attacks and strokes are not about excessive plaque build-up or severely narrowed arteries. Gregg Fonarow, MD, co-director, UCLA Preventative Cardiology Program, David Geffen School of Medicine; spokesperson, American Heart Association. Heres a screenshot of different levels of plaque from the Princeton Longevity Centers page. Q. I have coronary artery disease. There are no quick fixes for melting away plaque, but people can make key lifestyle changes to stop more of. You can take steps to reduce plaques by losing weight, exercising more, or eating fewer foods high in saturated fat. But three weeks into my first job, I decided there was a better, more comprehensive approach. High-intensity statins arent for everyone. You may be able to help reverse clogged arteries through diet, exercise, and stress management. MS: Can the Mediterranean diet help preserve cognitive health? The American Heart Association (AHA) recommend that a person limits their intake of saturated fats and trans fats. Very intensive lifestyle changes have also been shown to shrink plaque. Sometimes plaques build up inside your blood vessels. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, https://www.facebook.com/PrevMedHeartRisk/, https://www.pinterest.ph/prevmedheartcenter/. Olive oil may lower heart disease risk. Atherosclerosis is commonly referred to as clogged arteries or a hardening of the arteries. Larger plaques can block blood flow. Nissen and colleagues found that this combination caused plaque to decline in almost two-thirds of all patients. Diet can play a big role in improving your heart health and reducing your risk for a buildup of plaque. Cold hands or feet. , an atrial fib (fibrillation) risk gene. In addition to new published studies, a cardiologist observes reduced arterial plaque in patients taking two plant extracts. Minerva Cardioangiol. As you can see in the image above, theres the intima and the media, as well as the plaque. Blocked arteries: Causes and treatments. Unsaturated fats are another name for good fats. 1. The Lifestyle Heart Trial. The American Heart Association diet and lifestyle recommendations. Pycnogenol(R)+ Centellicum(R), post-stent evaluation: prevention of neointima and plaque re-growth. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Their own research suggests that a plant-based diet can help improve several risk factors for coronary artery disease and may reduce the risk for this disease.