Exercise Can Reverse Atherosclerosis

Large epidemiologic studies have shown that physical inactivity is a powerful independent risk factor for coronary artery disease, but until recently, no randomized study had found a direct link between exercise and CAD. This year, a German team showed that regular vigorous exercise can halt the progression of atherosclerosis and even promote regression of existing coronary lesions (J Am Coll Cardiol Aug, p. 468).

Studies combining lipid-lowering agents with aggressive lifestyle changes including exercise and a low-fat diet have had similar findings. Atherosclerosis slowed or regressed mainly in people whose LDL cholesterol dropped substantially.

Although the exercise study did not follow cardiac morbidity, other studies have shown a decline …