Treatment of coronary heart disease by diet and exercise

Management of risk factors by diet and exercise in patients with coronary heart disease in two controlled studies, resulted in significant modification of atherogenic lipoproteins, myocardial perfusion, and physical work capacity. Moreover, within 1 year there were significantly more regression and less progression of coronary atherosclerosis in the study group compared to usual care control patients. Follow-up for 6 years showed erosion of dietary discipline, unfavorable changes in lipoprotein levels, and subsequent progression of coronary lesions in many patients. It is concluded that the course of coronary heart disease can be favorably modified by intensive dietary counseling and supervised exercise, but that maintenance of positive results remain a challenge for physicians and patients alike.