People often wonder if you can remove or reverse the fatty buildup on the inside of arteries. One ways is shown above. This is called "balloon angioplasty." A thin wire is inserted into a vein in the groin area and threaded through the blood vessels up into the heart. Computer imaging guides doctors to the location of the narrowed artery. A balloon is inflated inside the artery which pushes the fat away, opening the narrowed artery. After 60 seconds or so, the balloon is deflated and removed. Usually this procedure is only a short term solution at best. Often, the procedure will have to be repeated within three years.

Dr. Dean Ornish has shown that there are more conservative ways to reverse atherosclerosis. He has demonstrated remarkable results in heart patients on a regimen of low-fat diet, stress management techniques and regular exercise. Of course, this is the same type of regimen that you can and should follow early on in life, in order to prevent atherosclerosis altogether.

Prescription for a Healthy Heart:

1. Don't smoke. Smoking contributes to heart disease in many ways and is the single most preventable cause of heart disease.

2. Eat a low fat diet. Since heart disease is often associated with diets that are high in fat, you should attempt to reduce many of the sources of fat in your diet. Especially saturated fats, but also polyunsaturated and hydrogenated fats.

3. Exercise. One of the most important risk factors for premature death from all causes is low fitness levels. Exercise has many benefits that can contribute to your health and happiness. Reducing the risk of heart disease is one of those benefits.

4. Medical exams. If you are a male over the age of 40 or a female over the age of 45, you should have regular medical exams. You should also seek medical attention if you have any of the common symptoms suggestive of heart disease: dizziness or fainting, difficultly breathing or shortness of breath at rest or with mild exertion, and / or pain in the chest, neck, jaw or arms.

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