Geisinger Preventive Medicine Lecture Series: “The Nutritional Reversal of Cardiovascular Disease: Fact or Fiction?”

Lecture Type: Online Video (Link Here)

Time: 59 minutes 15 seconds

Date: April 20, 2016

Speaker: Dr. Caldwell B. Esselstyn Jr., MD

Topic: Cardiovascular Disease and Diet

Introduction

Cardiovascular disease is a prevalent condition in the United States. It includes conditions like atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and heart disease, as well as contributing conditions like high cholesterol. This can be treated with surgical procedures and medications; however, there is a growing body of research that suggests we can improve of cardiovascular health through diet. As part of the Geisinger Commonwealth Medical School Preventive Medicine Lecture Series, Dr. Caldwell Blakeman Esselstyn, Jr. explains the research behind diet and vascular function.

Dr. Esselstyn, medical physician, suggests that we can improve cardiovascular function through a whole foods plant-based diet. He reviews decades of research, including detailed evidence on successful patients using diagnostic imaging, as well as reviews the pathogenesis behind heart disease. Check out the link to the video below, as well as other lectures that are part of the Geisinger’s lecture series.

Causes of cardiovascular disease

Circulating in your blood is cholesterol. The “bad” cholesterol is called LDL (low density lipoprotein). This can “stick” to the linking of your blood vessels. Here, white blood cells called Macrophages “eat” the cholesterol and become Foam cells. These Foam cells buildup in the vessel and slowly block it. Dr. Esselstyn also reviews a process by which a blockage (otherwise called an occlusion) can suddenly form, as well as the role of endogenous nitric oxide in vasodilation.

To Eat or Not to Eat?

Dr. Esselstyn clearly explains the foods to avoid and foods to enjoy in order to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Avoid:

• Oil
• Fish
• Fowl
• Meat
• Dairy
• Caffeinated Coffee
• Excess of sugar

Enjoy:

• Green leafy vegetables
• Vegetables
• Fruit
• Grains
• Legumes

Potential benefits of a whole food plant-based diet

A whole food plant-based diet allows people to take control of their health to prevent cardiovascular function. It increases beneficial nitric oxide levels (which are needed for vasodilation), increases antioxidant intake, and can even change the microbiome which can improve our health in a myriad of ways. Other benefits include decreased symptoms of angina (chest pain), prevention of dementia through brain atrophy, and even improve your sex life (yes, I mean erectile function).

I encourage you to watch the lecture for yourself. Go to the source and try to see what information catches your eye. What can you learn from Dr. Esselstyn?

Again, please speak to a doctor before making any changes to your medical treatment. This is not intended to provide medical advice.

Disclaimer:

This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. All viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. The publisher of this content does not take responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement, exercise or other lifestyle program.

Citation

Esselstyn, C. (2016, April 20). The Nutritional Reversal of Cardiovascular Disease: Fact or Fiction? [Lecture Recording]. Geisinger Commonwealth Preventive Medicine Lecture Series in partnership with WVIA. https://on-demand.wvia.org/video/wvia-special-presentations-reverse-cardiovascular-disease-nutrition/