How to reverse plaque to prevent a heart attack, according to a US doctor

Atherosclerosis, a process where a gradual buildup of plaque happens in the walls of the arteries, is a red flag. This sticky plaque, made of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances, builds up in the artery, and the wall grows thicker and harder. As a result, the coronary arteries narrow, reducing blood flow to your heart muscle, which can then lead to a heart attack. Plaque buildup in the arteries was thought to be somewhat permanent, and the treatment options are limited to medications, stents, or surgery. However, Dr. Vassily Eliopoulos, M.D., a board-certified emergency medicine doctor from New York, with a focus on longevity, says plaque buildup isn’t permanent. He also suggests some effective measures beyond stents and surgery that will help to reduce plaque buildup.

According to Dr. Vassily, plaque buildup can be reduced by treating its root cause. “We're told plaque buildup is permanent, but that may not be entirely true. I'm Dr. Vass, a longevity doctor with an MD from Cornell, and yes, arterial plaque can be reversed without stents or surgery,” he says.
He added that cardiologists might not be saying certain important facts about the plaque buildup. “Let's start with what your cardiologist might not tell you. Most heart attacks happen from soft plaque that ruptures, not from arteries blocked by calcium buildup. You can have a normal stress test and still be at high risk, and surgery or stenting can fix the immediate symptom and can be life-saving when needed, but they do not fix the underlying disease process. That's why you can use a root cause protocol to try to reverse plaque and attempt to prevent heart attacks,” he says, in a video shared on Instagram.

Dr. Vassily noted that it is important to follow a protocol that includes advanced testing to better understand the cardiovascular risk. He shares that standard cholesterol numbers don’t always give a full picture, emphasizing the need for inflammatory markers, lipoprotein particle analysis, and imaging studies to assess hidden risks more accurately and proactively.
“First is precision testing. APOB tells us your true lipid particle load, high sensitivity CRP with LP-PLA2, which shows the inflammation markers that fuel the plaque, and a CCTA scan with clear analysis, which shows the plaque where it's forming and what type of plaque exists,” he says.

Along with the testing, the doctor also suggests making some lifestyle changes, including diet, to help reverse the plaque buildup. “Second is targeted nutrition, a Mediterranean-style diet, high in polyphenols, omega-3s, and fiber. Remove the added sugars and ultra-processed foods. These can drive endothelial damage,” the doctor suggests.

Daily movement also plays a role. The doctor suggests walking for five to ten minutes after every meal. Cardio exercises are also crucial. Engaging in cardio exercises at least three times a week is crucial. He also recommends getting at least seven and a half hours of sleep nightly to lower cortisol and CRP. These lifestyle habits improve overall metabolic health, enhance mood, support heart function, and reduce inflammation throughout the body for long-term wellness.

Dr. Vassily also explains about taking therapeutic support. “Niacin and berberine can help lower APOB and LPA, and peptides like BPC-157 and Mod-C may help reduce vascular inflammation and potentially improve mitochondrial function. IV nutrients like glutathione and arginine could help improve nitric oxide and vascular health,” he shares.

The doctor also emphasizes that plaque doesn't reverse in weeks; however, “it's possible to obtain measurable results in six to 12 months using a targeted approach.”​

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your diet, exercise, medications, or treatment plan.

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