Secrets to Achieving CAD Regression

Guest: Stephen Kopecky, M.D.

Host: Sharonne Hayes, M.D.

Coronary artery disease regression can occur in lipid rich plaque. Calcified and fibrotic plaque are essentially scars and cannot regress; however, they also are not associated with plaque rupture, which can lead to myocardial infarction. Studies with invasive angiography or CT angiography that have shown successful regression of CAD have addressed risk factors including hypertension, smoking, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes. They also address lifestyle, including healthy diet such as DASH or Mediterranean diet, regular physical activity, and stress mitigation.

Topics Discussed:

• Can all types of coronary plaque (calcified, fibrotic, lipid rich) regress?


• How can we assess coronary artery disease regression?


• What have studies told us the best way to achieve CAD regression?

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Podcast episode transcript found here.