Can CAD be reversed through diet or meds?!
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Reversing Heart Disease
The Weatherhead PET Center for Preventing and Reversing Atherosclerosis, directed by K. Lance Gould, M.D., at the University of Texas Medical School and Memorial Hermann Hospital, is dedicated to preventing and healing heart disease. Noninvasive PET (positron emission tomography) technology, developed by Dr. Gould, takes pictures of heart blood flow that is restricted by early cholesterol buildup in the coronary arteries, and with greater accuracy than any other technology or stress test. An individualized treatment program removes the cholesterol from the artery wall and reverses the disease process.
But reversal of coronary artery disease takes time—at least 18 to 24 months. During this time, there is some remaining risk of a heart attack before treatment is completely effective.
Other Answers:
I suppose you are referring to Coronary Artery Disease? If so, cholesterol lowering through diet and drugs (mainly "statins"), will mostly slow or stabilize the progression of coronary atherosclerotic plaques. However, some regression can be seen with drugs.
In the REVERSAL clinical trial, treatment with atorvastatin (Lipitor), caused an average decrease of 2.7% in the volume of atheromas at 18 months follow-up, as evaluated by intravascular ultrasound.
So, for a short answer, yes, there can be some decrease, but that does not mean people are actually "cured".
I hope that helps you.
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