10 Proven Ways to Reverse Heart Disease – A Conversation with Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn
As we close out National Heart Health Month, there is no one better to drive home the life-saving power of a whole food, plant-based lifestyle than Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr. In his sixth appearance on the PLANTSTRONG podcast, Dr. Esselstyn joins Rip to discuss the overwhelming evidence proving that heart disease is not only preventable but reversible. From clinical trials to remarkable patient stories, Essy shares ten ways he has documented cardiovascular disease reversal.
Key Takeaways
Heart Disease is Not Inevitable—It’s a Lifestyle Disease
Dr. Esselstyn reminds us that cardiovascular disease is virtually non-existent in cultures that thrive on whole food, plant-based diets. While Western medicine focuses on treating symptoms with drugs, stents, and surgeries, true prevention and reversal come from addressing the root cause: diet.
10 Documented Measures of Heart Disease Reversal
Over the years, Dr. Esselstyn has shown heart disease reversal through multiple diagnostic tools:
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Coronary Angiograms: Before-and-after images have shown a reduction in blockages, sometimes within months.
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Stress Tests: Improved results within 10–12 months of dietary changes.
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PET Scans: Significant increases in blood flow documented in as little as two weeks.
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Carotid Ultrasounds: Patients have seen severe blockages (90%) shrink within a year.
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Pulse Volume Tests: Blood flow in the legs doubled in some patients with peripheral artery disease.
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Angina Reduction: Chest pain has been eliminated in days or weeks with dietary adherence.
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Claudication Relief: Leg pain due to poor circulation disappears when blood flow is restored.
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Erectile Dysfunction Reversal: A common early sign of heart disease, which improves with better circulation.
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Ejection Fraction Increase: Heart function can improve dramatically, even in patients once considered for heart transplants.
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Plaque Dissolution: Some patients with plaque buildup see complete reversal within months to a few years.
It's Never Too Late to Start
Dr. Esselstyn shares the story of an 87-year-old patient who was told he needed bypass surgery but chose a plant-based diet instead. Years later, he remains heart-healthy at 102! The endothelial cells lining our arteries can regenerate and function better at any age.
The Standard American Diet is a Fast Track to Heart Disease
Refined foods, animal products, and oils damage endothelial cells and contribute to plaque buildup. Dr. Esselstyn emphasizes the importance of eliminating added oils, even olive oil, to protect artery function.
The Power of Green Leafy Vegetables
A key component of Dr. Esselstyn’s program is the consumption of greens like kale, spinach, arugula, and Swiss chard six times a day to boost nitric oxide production and support optimal circulation.
Final Thoughts
Dr. Esselstyn’s research and decades of patient experience make it abundantly clear: a whole food, plant-based diet is the most powerful tool for preventing and reversing heart disease. The choice is in our hands—health is possible at any age if we nourish our bodies with the right foods.
For those who want a deeper dive, watch the full podcast episode on YouTube, and check out Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease for the ultimate guide to transforming your health.
As always, keep it PLANTSTRONG!
