apollo
  • male
  • 60 Years
  • 31/03/2021

Can Atherosclerosis be reversed?

Doctor 1

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Various drugs, low fat diet and exercise can slow the effect of atherosclerosis but once a plaque is formed it is mostly not reversible. A person ahs to undergo procedures for removal of atherosclerotic plaque.

Dr. Shubham Suggests...

Consult a Cardiologist

Answered 04/07/2025

0

0

doc

Ask Apollo

AI powered Health Chatbot

Continue Chat
  1. Understanding Atherosclerosis
    Atherosclerosis is the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup. It can lead to heart disease, especially in older adults.

  2. Possibility of Reversal
    Complete reversal is difficult, but progression can be slowed or partially improved with treatment.

  3. Lifestyle Modifications

    • Diet: Adopt a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
    • Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity.
    • Smoking Cessation: Quit smoking to improve vascular health.
    • Weight Management: Maintain a healthy weight.
  4. Medications
    Common medications include statins (e.g., Atorvastatin) for cholesterol and antihypertensives for blood pressure control.

  5. Medical Procedures
    In advanced cases, interventions like angioplasty or surgery may be necessary.

  6. Regular Monitoring and Specialist Care
    Regular check-ups with a cardiologist and relevant tests are crucial for monitoring the disease.

  7. Personalized Approach for Older Adults
    Considerations for a 60-year-old male include managing other health conditions and monitoring medication side effects.

Recommended next steps

Consult a Cardiologist

Answered 20/08/2025

0

0

Sick? Talk to a doctor now

More Cardiology Health Queries

View all

I'm experiencing this odd pressure on my chest, specifically on the left side where I've drawn a white line in the photo I sent. It's not quite pain, but more like an uncomfortable pressure. It tends to be noticeable when I lie down, which is pretty uncomfortable, but the pressure seems to go away when I'm up and walking around. There's no pain when I breathe or do exercises, which is confusing me. A few days ago, I was dealing with chest pain but it seems to have lessened. There's this constant pressure, though, especially when I'm lying down. Also, I had sinus tachycardia with a heart rate of 115 BPM during my first echocardiogram. The second one, however, was 77 BPM, and my blood pressure was 13383 mg. I'm wondering if all this is connected and if I should be worried about it?

It sounds like you may be experiencing musculoskeletal chest pain, possibly related to inflammation or strain in the chest wall muscles. The fact that the discomfort increases when lying down and improves with movement suggests a musculoskeletal origin. To help relieve the pressure and discomfort in your chest, you can try taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) as needed. Additionally, applying a warm compress to the area may also help relax the muscles and alleviate the pressure sensation. If the symptoms persist or worsen, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and management.

read more
Doctor 1Doctor 2

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

I've just gone over my lipid profile results and it's showing a level of 244. I'm really concerned about what this means for my health. What steps can I take to bring it back to normal levels? Also, I'm curious about at what point a bypass might become necessary. Can you give me some guidance on this?

To help lower your cholesterol levels, you can start by making lifestyle changes such as following a healthy diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding smoking. If lifestyle changes alone are not enough to lower your cholesterol levels to a healthy range, your doctor may prescribe medication to help manage your cholesterol. Commonly prescribed medications to lower cholesterol include atorvastatin (Lipitor) at a starting dose of 10-20 mg once daily or rosuvastatin (Crestor) at a starting dose of 5-10 mg once daily. As for when a bypass is needed, the decision to undergo bypass surgery is based on various factors such as the severity of blockages in the coronary arteries, symptoms, and overall health condition. Bypass surgery is usually considered when there are significant blockages in the coronary arteries that cannot be effectively managed with medications or other interventions. Remember to follow up with your doctor for personalized recommendations and monitoring of your cholesterol levels.

read more
Doctor 1Doctor 2

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

I'm 26 and I've been experiencing a weird situation recently. Whenever I try to take a nap during the day, I notice that my heart starts racing, but it usually settles down after a bit. However, after waking up, the palpitations come back for a while, which is really unsettling. This only seems to happen in the daytime, not at night. I recently finished treatment for a panic attack, including psychiatric counseling. Since I'm still having these palpitations, I'm unsure what to do next. Could you help me figure out what's going on?

Based on your symptoms and history of panic attacks, it is possible that you are experiencing residual anxiety leading to palpitations. I recommend trying a beta-blocker medication such as Propranolol. You can take Propranolol 10mg to 20mg once daily as needed to help reduce the palpitations and anxiety symptoms. However, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication.

read more
Doctor 1Doctor 2

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Disclaimer: Answers on Apollo 247 are not intended to replace your doctor advice. Always seek help of a professional doctor in case of an medical emergency or ailment.