“Does the Ornish Lifestyle Medicine program Also Work on Carotid Artery Disease?

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• Millie Osborn December 11, 2014

  I have two entwined stents and another stent placed where the two were joined, all on left (widowmaker) side. They were placed when I went to ER for high blood pressure. Nuclear stress test showed absolutely no placque anywhere. I am constantly worrying that “the unnecessary stents will be the death of me.” What do you think?

• Rachel Lehmann-Haupt December 15, 2014

  IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CALL 911 OR YOUR PHYSICIAN. If you believe you have any other health problem, or if you have any questions regarding your health or a medical condition, you should promptly consult your physician or other healthcare provider. This site/call center does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, or opinion to you or to any other individual. Although Dr. Ornish is not able to answer personal medical questions, please refer to these frequently asked questions.

• Jim December 11, 2014

  I have a 100% blocked right side carotid artery. Would your program reverse that? The other carotid was surgically cleaned in July of this year, not stented. I’m a 72 year old male with 5 bypasses from 24 years ago. I’ve had two heart attacks in the last 3 years, both mild. I’m a hard headed(read stubborn) meat and potatoes former farm boy, have you had any success with my type?

• Rachel Lehmann-Haupt January 12, 2015

  IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CALL 911 OR YOUR PHYSICIAN. If you believe you have any other health problem, or if you have any questions regarding your health or a medical condition, you should promptly consult your physician or other healthcare provider. This site/call center does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, or opinion to you or to any other individual. Although Dr. Ornish is not able to answer personal medical questions, please refer to these frequently asked questions.

• Vin Boschetto December 11, 2014

  Hi,
  I am a 64 year old male. I have a history of high cholesterol and my blood pressure is now borderline high. My weight has gone up to 225lbs and I am 6′ tall. I have been active my whole life(sports,jogging,walking etc) but have had to cut back the last few years because of knee and achilles problems. I still do eliptical,stationary bike and light weights.
  Here is my question. When I have tried to lose weight I have been very successful doing an Atkins style diet and my bloodwork goes down to a 200 total cholesterol,60 HDL and 160 LDL and below average tryglicerides. I can never maintain that diet and always put weight back on and my blood numbers go back up to 280 total cholesterol,190 LDL,and 45 HDL. I hate that way of eating and decided to try the 21 day kickstart vegan way of life. Twice I tried the vegan diet for 9 weeks and both times my hi cholesterol remained unchanged and I lost very little weight. I did consume cereals bread and pasta while vegan because it was certainly a fast and easy alternative to a lot of the vegan recipes I have seen. So knowing now that I am sensitive to those items I just mentioned, can you offer some vegan diet advice where I can include those carbs and LOSE weight and get my cholesterol below 200 total?I am certainly frustrated because there is a history of heart problems ( my father dropped dead at age 50 coronary thrombosis) as have other aunts and uncles. Thanks for listening to my story and hope to hear from you.

• Rachel Lehmann-Haupt December 15, 2014

  Hi:IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CALL 911 OR YOUR PHYSICIAN. If you believe you have any other health problem, or if you have any questions regarding your health or a medical condition, you should promptly consult your physician or other healthcare provider. This site/call center does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, or opinion to you or to any other individual. Although Dr. Ornish is not able to answer personal medical questions, please refer to these frequently asked questions.
  We also suggest that you refer to Dr. Ornish Spectrum book for additional diet advice. Thanks

• Marge Kasprzak December 11, 2014

  What is the Ornish program?

• Rachel Lehmann-Haupt December 15, 2014

  Hi Marge: Here’s a link to learn more about the Ornish program. https://www.ornish.com/undo-it/. Thanks, Rachel

• El Darlin December 12, 2014

  1. Live near Columbia, MD. How do I get started on your program?
  2. Why no caffeine?
  3. Went to Yogaville in VA. What kind of healthy yogurt and cheese do they eat?

  Thank you for all you are doing.
  I’ve had 3 stents and want to reverse my heart disease. Help.

• Rachel Lehmann-Haupt December 15, 2014

  Hi there: All the information that you need on the Ornish Program is available here: https://www.ornish.com/undo-it/

• Chuck December 12, 2014

  Just give me simple, few ingredient, recipes that can compete with the fast food convenience of McDonalds. I’ve been convinced for about 40 years vegan is the way to go, BUT, at I just can’t establish a lifestyle to make it work. I don’t know how to create a menu, shop, cook, clean the kitchen, use stored left overs etc. I call this part kitchen management. My refrigerator smells of bacteria created by rotting Greens in the vegetable drawer, I get gout from eating to many beans and lentils. I could go on, let me sum it up by just stating that I am a disaster at this stuff. I know you can’t do it for me, it’s easier for me just to go the drive in window at McDonalds. My Carotid Arteries a really blocked.

• Rachel Lehmann-Haupt January 5, 2015

  I suggest that peruse our Recipedia. It chock full of delicious and simple recipes.

• Tobia G Mercuro December 12, 2014

  Is Inflamation of the arteries a more serious problem than high LDL &/or low HDL? Cause of Inflamation? Correction?
  FYI. Have been thru the Ornish Program TWICE. Probably saved my life. Now Vegan.

• Dale Davis December 12, 2014

  Have you ever done any studies on cancer?
  If so where can I find the information?

• Rachel Lehmann-Haupt December 15, 2014

  Hi Dale: I suggest reading chapter 14 of Dr. Ornish’s Spectrum book. Its all devoted to preventing and treating Prostate cancer with his proven reversal diet.

• Verna McGann December 12, 2014

  How does one go about joining your program, and where is it?

• Rachel Lehmann-Haupt December 15, 2014

  Hi Verna: Here’s the link to the page that will tell you everything that you need to know. https://www.ornish.com/undo-it/
  All Best, Rachel

• Dorothy Malone December 14, 2014

  What is charge for subscription newsletter?

• Rachel Lehmann-Haupt December 15, 2014

  Hi Dorothy. The newsletter is free. We hope you enjoy it. Cheers, Rachel

• Dina Anthony December 18, 2014

  Hi,
  What is your view on the use of olive oil in foods. I generally use about 2 teaspoons in my salads twice a day. Is there any concerns with this? I am at a healthy weight, exercise and eat a plant based diet. I have high blood pressure I haven’t been able to bring down. Could it be due to the oil in my diet?
  Thank you.
  Dina

• Rachel Lehmann-Haupt January 12, 2015

  Here’s a article that we put together about techniques for cooking without oil. https://www.ornish.com/zine/cooking-without-oil/

• Steve pearson April 2, 2015

  I’ve just been diagnosed with arterial stenosis of my aorta valve and have calcium buidup in the valve and a thicking of the left ventricle because of this unfortunately this is genetic and may need valve replacement will your program help avoid this

• Rachel Lehmann-Haupt April 6, 2015

  IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CALL 911 OR YOUR PHYSICIAN. If you believe you have any other health problem, or if you have any questions regarding your health or a medical condition, you should promptly consult your physician or other healthcare provider. This site/call center does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, or opinion to you or to any other individual. Although Dr. Ornish is not able to answer personal medical questions, please refer to these frequently asked questions.

  https://www.ornish.com/wp-content/uploads/FAQ_Ornish_Program_8.19.14.pdf

• Diane C June 16, 2015

  50 yr old female, weight 250, height 5’10”. In 2012 I had angiogram-no blockage, no heart disease. Just had US of carotid, 50% blocked. Can I reverse this with diet and exercise. How did this happen so fast?
  Thanks

• Ben Brown, MD July 9, 2015

  Carotid disease can be reversed with the Ornish program, it works on all vessels. It is not just a diet and exercise program. The Ornish program is a 4 part lifestyle prescription, that involves stress management, exercise, group support and diet. The stress management part is an hour a day (involves postures, progressive relaxation, breathing techniques, meditation and imagery), the diet is the Group 1 diet. The exercise is 30 minutes of exercise a day (150 minutes a week) and group support is once a week. see the ornish.com website for more information.

• Tatiana October 22, 2015

  Dr. Ornish, I just learned today after an MRA that I have 29% stenosis of left internal carotid. I eat mostly plant based. Coronary Artery Calcium Score is zero. BMI is 31. 54 yo female. Had a vicious dark chocolate addiction which kept my weight up. I am concerned about the stenosis and want to know if I aggressively adjust my diet to low or no fat, what are the chances of reversing this number? If it is possible to reverse, how long does it take to see results? Thanking you with much appreciation.

• Ben Brown, MD November 11, 2015

  when people make changes to their lifestyle we have seen changes can happen rapidly depending on the degree of change. We have seen documented arterial changes as early as 8 weeks, but that is not in everyone. Remember that the results we found are for the full program, The Ornish Program is a 4 part lifestyle prescription, reversal has been proven for more then 80% of people that follow this prescription that involves stress management, exercise, group support and diet. More specifically: The diet is an abundant, plant-based-low-fat diet (the Group 1 diet on the Ornish.com web site or in the Spectrum book); The stress management is an hour a day that involves postures, progressive relaxation, breathing techniques, meditation and imagery; The exercise is approximately 30 minutes of exercise a day (180 minutes a week with two strength-training sessions) and group support is once a week (mainly working with the ability to strengthen relationships). See the ornish.com website for more information. Not just for a low fat diet. To your health, Ben

• Caroline potter November 26, 2015

  I would to know if I reverse plaque in my carotid arteries thank you

• Rachel Lehmann-Haupt November 30, 2015

  Hi Caroline: Dr. Ornish has answered your question in his column. Please see his answer here. https://www.ornish.com/zine/ornish-reversal-program-also-work-carotid-artery-disease/ Thanks, Rachel

• Rachel Lehmann-Haupt November 30, 2015

  Dr. Ornish answered your question in a recent column. https://www.ornish.com/zine/ornish-reversal-program-also-work-carotid-artery-disease/ Hope it helps. Cheers, Rachel

• RAJESH NARANG December 13, 2015

  My Brother in law[Asian Indian] aged 55 yrs totally asymptomatic till he had a stroke. Scan reveals one carotid artery is totally blocked. speech is affected, can speak a little. He is based In Auckland New Zealand.
  Can This program help and how do we proceed.

• Rachel Lehmann-Haupt January 4, 2016

  Dr. Ornish recently addressed this question. See post https://www.ornish.com/zine/ornish-reversal-program-also-work-carotid-artery-disease/ Cheers, Rachel

• Cheryl Driscoll January 29, 2016

  I have PAD and 100%clogged carotid artery, I’m 56 yr. old female, history of smoking, alcoholism, hep c, hypertension, hypothyroidism, bipolar, CIC, I take metoprolol for blood pressure, clopidogrel and atorvastatin. I need a good diet with no oils/fats, plant based, low carbs. My question: how much fruit can I eat and how much beans/grains can I have? Tried to follow Esselstyns diet, helped with some BM, not much, but also don’t know what vitamins, supplements I can take, I am now malnourished, eat no meats, oils, sugar, except fruit…keep losing weight and getting sick. On two benzodiazepinines for years, trying to wean off slowly. Any comments would help!

• Ben Brown, MD February 1, 2016

  Hi Cheryl, It sounds like you are making some positive changes in your life. As for specific amounts of fruits and beans with your issues, we would suggest that you work with a skilled nutritionist as that is too clinical a question for anyone not following you as a patient. We wish you good health and keep up the good work! Also remember that the The Ornish Program is a 4 part lifestyle prescription, reversal has been proven for more then 80% of people that follow this prescription that involves stress management, exercise, group support and diet. More specifically: The diet is an abundant, plant-based-low-fat diet (the Group 1 diet on the Ornish.com web site or in the Spectrum book); The stress management is an hour a day that involves postures, progressive relaxation, breathing techniques, meditation and imagery; The exercise is approximately 30 minutes of exercise a day (180 minutes a week with two strength-training sessions) and group support is once a week (mainly working with the ability to strengthen relationships). See the ornish.com website for more information. I know this does not address your specific issues, but I hope it is helpful. To your health, Ben

• patricia harris February 17, 2017

  I have just been told that I have 50 percent blockage on one side of my neck and 70 percent on the other. Can I reverse this with food and not medication.

• Ben Brown, MD February 18, 2017

  Most people (more than 80%) who make do the full Ornish program achieve reversal. This is for all arteries. As far as choosing this option, that would be a conversation to have with your physician. I would say if you do that it would be best to get the training so you fully understand the program and can implement it fully. To your health, Ben

• zack hanan March 17, 2017

  Question: There are some authorities that claim that eating saturated fat from free range cattle is beneficial and compared to saturated fat from commercially raised cattle…..as their diet is based on a natural diet of grasses and not grains, antibiotics and hormones. Your comments are very much appreciated….thank you.

• Rachel Lehmann-Haupt May 10, 2017

  We recently addressed this question: https://www.ornish.com/zine/meat-meat-raised/

• carol grace March 17, 2017

  In your article about heart disease (clogging of arteries) you say that “Yes. Atherosclerosis – clogging of the arteries – is essentially the same process throughout the body.” Because of this, the same comprehensive lifestyle changes of the Ornish Lifestyle Medicine Program (Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation) that reverse the progression of coronary heart disease may also be beneficial in carotid artery disease and in peripheral artery disease. So the question is, if your doctor tells you your carotids are blocked up to to a critical level, and it is indeed coronary artery disease, WHY IS IT NOT COVERED BY INSURANCE/MEDICARE since your program has proven to work? It would make sense to do prevention and reversal treatments for several hundred dollars rather than pay for repeated surgical interventions (stents/bypass/heart transplants) which I know from experience are much more costly?

  A **2014** study published in The Permanente Journal found:

  A plant-based diet is increasingly becoming recognized as a healthier alternative to a diet laden with meat. Atherosclerosis is associated with high dietary intake of meat, fat, and carbohydrates remains the leading cause of mortality in the US. This condition results from progressive damage to the endothelial cells lining the vascular system, including the heart, leading to endothelial dysfunction.

  Promoting the Ornish program would save thousands of dollars in medical costs. Comments please, and/or ways to push/promote your program with insurance. Thanks. Carol Grace

• Ben Brown, MD September 19, 2017

  Thanks for your support Carol, the wheels of change grind slowly in medicine. It took us 16 years to get it approved for Heart Disease. To your health, Ben

• yvonne March 17, 2017

  Will Dr. Ornish’s Reversal Program ever come to the Santa Ynez Valley (Santa Barbara County)? I know I would love to join and there are many people with heart problems in this area.

• Rachel Lehmann-Haupt May 10, 2017

  Watch this page: https://www.ornish.com/ornish-certified-site-directory/