Caldwell B. Esselstyn and Mladen Golubic
The Wellness Institute, Center for Lifestyle Medicine, The Cleveland Clinic, 1950 Richmond Road, TR2-341, Lyndhurst, OH 44124, USA
Introduction: Coronary disease remains our number one killer, but is non existent in plant-based cultures. Plant-based nutrition may cure cardiovascular disease yet patient adherence is challenging.
Methods: We reported outcomes at 3.7 years for 198 consecutive cardiovascular patients counseled in plant nutrition and below review our strategy achieving 89% adherence.
Two weeks prior to the single 5 ½ hour counseling, a senior physician phoned each participant to establish disease presentation, severity and establish rapport. Each was asked to bring a spouse or partner. Participants learned the integrity of endothelial cells is essential for vascular health. They understood oils, meat, fish, fowl, dairy products, eggs, nuts, avocado and sugary foods impair vascular protection. A plant-based nutrition expert reviewed food acquisition and preparation. Each participant received a notebook with a copy of power point slides, peer reviewed studies, recipes and strategies and a book with plant-based recipes. A lunch followed ending with question and answer session. Two prior successful participants gave testimonials. Exercise was encouraged. We invited follow up communication.
Results: 99.4 % of 177plant-based adherent participants avoided cardiac events during 3.7 years follow up.
Conclusion: Plant-based nutrition education may halt coronary disease.