reverse heart disease - #20609
I am 48 and my dad passed away suddenly from heart disease when he was only 50. That scared the life out of me, right? I’ve been trying really hard to focus on my health since then, but it feels super overwhelming. I just went to my doctor for a checkup and they said my cholesterol is pretty high, and my blood pressure isn't great either. I keep reading stuff about how to reverse heart disease but it’s like there’s a million different opinions out there. I tried this new diet, cut out most carbs and sugar, and added exercise to my routine, but I still feel lost. It’s hard to keep up with it all. I even tried meditation and stress relief stuff, but whenever I sit down to it, I freak out and give up. Is it truly possible to reverse heart disease? Like how much lifestyle change is really needed? People say drastic changes work, but do you think small changes can help too? I don’t know if I can commit to every single thing, ya know? I just want to feel healthy and not have to be scared like my dad was. What’s the best advice to actually reverse heart disease without feeling completely defeated?
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors' responses
Reversing heart disease, or at least managing and reducing its risk, generally involves a combination of lifestyle changes and sometimes medication. Small, consistent changes can make a difference, and it’s not about perfection but about improvement over time. Managing cholesterol and blood pressure are crucial, as they are significant risk factors for heart disease. Dietary changes can be really effective; a Mediterranean or DASH diet focusing on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can help lower cholesterol and support heart health. It’s great that you’ve started exercise – at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly is recommended. Consistency is more important than intensity at first, and you should choose activities you enjoy to increase adherence. Stress management, while tricky, plays a significant role too. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, but short, regular meditation sessions or breathing exercises can gradually help reduce stress levels before expanding into longer sessions.
Quitting smoking and moderating alcohol intake are also vital. Medications might also be needed to control cholesterol and blood pressure, so follow-up with your doctor is essential to tailor a plan that fits your lifestyle. It’s essential to keep regular check-ins with your healthcare provider to monitor your progress and adjust as needed. Remember, these changes don’t have to be drastic all at once; incremental, sustainable changes often yield the best long-term results. And most importantly, don’t hesitate to communicate with your doctor about any concerns or when you feel discouraged; they can offer guidance tailored to your needs, ensuring your journey toward heart disease reversal is both practical and achievable for you.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.