Dr. Dean Ornish's Program for Reversing Heart Disease: The Only System Scientifically Proven to Reverse Heart Disease Without Drugs or Surgery

by Dean Ornish

"Whether or not you think you'll ever be concerned about your heart, this is likely to be the most useful book about health you'll read this year, maybe ever."
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In this breakthrough book, Dr. Dean Ornish presents dramatic evidence that heart disease can be halted or even reversed simply by changing your life-style. Step-by-step he will guide you through the extraordinary Opening Your Heart program that takes you beyond the purely physical side of health care to include the psychological, emotional, and spiritual aspects so vital to healing. This book represents the best modern medicine has to offer. It can inspire you to open your heart to a longer, better, happier life.

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Nutrition, Food, Cooking, Cookbooks, Medicine

803 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Dean Ornish is an American physician and researcher. He is the president and founder of the nonprofit Preventive Medicine Research Institute in Sausalito, California and a Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. He is a well-known advocate for using a plant-based diet and healthy lifestyle changes to treat and prevent heart disease.

Dean Ornish earned a B.A. in Humanities summa cum laude from the University of Texas in Austin, where he gave the baccalaureate address. He received his M.D. from the Baylor College of Medicine, he was a clinical fellow in medicine at Harvard Medical School, and he completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital.

Reviews

[Cynthia McCrain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book for anyone who has heart disease or is wanting to prevent heart disease. When my husband had two blocked arteries and needed a bypass, we were in shock. When, a year later, another artery became severely blocked and he had to have a stent placed, we realized this problem wasn't going away. We bought this book and began following Dr. Ornish's plan. After a few months, my husband's cholesterol had drastically changed -- 125 for his total cholesterol -- 51 for LDL. Wow!!! He had been on a statin for a year, but had very minimal reduction until changing his diet. Just following this plan, we were both able to lose 25 pounds each, without changing anything else.

[Kathrynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of helpful information was packed in this whopping 631 page paperback. Unfortunately, I felt I had to do a great deal of sifting through justifications/ explanations, and the author wrote too much about his personal life and experiences when I just wanted to get to the "meat" of the book. Cut all that out and this would have been a 5 star. The Foreword was nearly 20 pages! Good grief. Just the facts, please and put the reins on the personal stories.

The author mentioned that he wanted the book to be titled, "Opening Your Heart." The publishers, however, wanted the current title. After reading it, I believe the title should have been what the author had in mind. This was about opening your heart, "A central theme of this book is learning how we can feel more free--from physical pain, emotional distress, and spiritual isolation."(page 253)

The book is divided into three parts:

Part One: Opening Your Heart

This part had a lot of justification for what was coming. I felt this was more for the author's colleagues. I had to sift through a lot of verbal diarrhea to find pertinent info. But it was there.

The importance of being a member of a club, church, etc. was stressed here. Studies show that those of us that have social connections experience less risk of heart disease. Holding feelings in puts the body in a state of stress. Social isolation ranked right up there with smoking in health! Also, athletes and others that thrive on winning keep their bodies in a stressful state--regardless of their physical fitness. "Exercise will make you fit, but fitness and health are not synonymous." (page 326)

Part Two: The Opening Your Heart Program

This held the bulk of the information with less personal stories from the author, though there were a few. Topics covered: how to manage stress, yoga (techniques with pictures), meditation, very low fat diet, cholesterol, a chapter on how to stop smoking, and how to exercise.

If a person walks 2 miles a day, 5 days a week, they can expect to burn about 2,000 calories!

There was a mention of Raquel Welch's book that talked about her yoga beliefs. :-) The overall theme in this part was the body and mind function most efficiently and effectively when a person is relaxed.

There was a great deal of information on cholesterol, heart disease, stroke, etc. Very informative. It was mentioned in several places that controlling heart disease isn't "just" about proper diet. A body has to have inner peace, too. A healthy person can die of a heart attack because of the constant state of stress they put on themselves.

Part Three: Opening Your Heart Recipes

Some great recipes here. Most seemed to have common ingredients that can be found fairly easily.

There are two types of diets:

1) The Reversal Diet, which is more strict. Vegetarian. Very little fat.

2) The Prevention Diet, which allows more fat and some meat.

I was a tad disappointed in the lack of information on cholesterol and hormone changes in women when in perimenopause.

[Brett Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five years ago, this book changed my life, and probably saved me from an avoidable early death. Dr. Ornish put me squarely on track for a mindful approach to looking after the only body I'll ever have. Not only did I lose 30 pounds in 3 months, I lost chronic back pain and regained a lost plateau of overall health at the same time. I can't prove these matters are all related, but it sure felt that way.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Learned how to think, breathe, inter-relate, eat, and exercise in the best interest of my heart health. This is a book I keep on my shelf and I read it from time to time when I need to remember what matters (and what doesn't matter) for my heart's health. Get ready to read real science. Get ready to read that you need to stretch and meditate. Get ready to believe that you are capable of taking care of your heart.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reversing Heart Disease means no meat, no fat or oil, no milk, cheese or egg yokes. If you are willing to do this you will fortify yourself against heart disease. Following his regimen, I lost about 40 pounds and got my cholesterol in the normal range without drugs. He also discusses the benefits of exercise and relationships. Those following his recommendations will be blessed with good health and save a great deal of money because there will be fewer drug bills and doctor visits.

[Marie Horning · Rating 5 out of 5]

The exceptional part about this program is that you have this physician coming out and saying that the way patients are treated in our health care system is abhorrent. Beginning in the 1970s, he recognized that the best way to deal with our growing incidence of cardiac heart disease was not by throwing BP pills at the problem or performing more bypass surgeries. This guy decided to try something completely unconventional. He took on less patients so that he could spend more one-on-one time with them. He prescribed a vegetarian diet, yoga, meditation, group therapy sessions, and recommended that they stop smoking. Not only did his patients stop the progression of the disease, they actually reversed it! The blockages in their arteries had lessened considerably, but most importantly the FELT better. Their lives improved, and not just physically. Dr. Ornish learned that there are more risk factors for heart disease besides just the commonly known ones (high cholesterol, hypertension, smoking). Americans are also dealing with chronic stress, and loneliness was also another surprising risk factor. So much damage is done to our blood vessels by the chronic release of stress hormones, so learning about ways to handle our stress is paramount. There was one chapter in the beginning that was heavy on anatomy, but for the most part it was a much more enjoyable read than I was expecting.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a reversal diet and a prevention diet. Dean Ornish ties in the wisdom of the ages with the scientific method of modern medicine. He writes with compassion and passion about the way he's found that people can improve their health and happiness when they're at severe, moderate, or no risk for heart disease. His way is remarkably similar to "The Way": live simply, eat simply, and manage stress, partly by erasing the petty cares in your life.

This is more difficult than it sounds, and many people can't motivate themselves to take these proven self-discipline measures rather than popping a pill. Additionally, it's not in the interest of large health organizations or food corporations to fund clinical studies of a simple therapy such as this, so Dean Ornish's advice is tested and proven, but unfortunately, it is largely ignored by the public. I urge everyone, as I've urged my dad, to give it a chance and try it... It will make us better people, physically and otherwise.

[We_Read_ at_Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! I learned so much in the realm of stress, how it affects health and how to manage it! The only reason I have this book 4 stars verses 5 is that since it’s publication there is new evidence that provides more insight into the importance of a 100 percent plant based lifestyle. While he doesn’t advocate an animal rich diet he allows it on his program in the form of non fat yogurt and milk. Both have shown to cause cancer and have other detrimental health effects. Other than that it was a great read! I learned a lot!

[Laine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here's a tantalizing thought -- a BMI of 18. Can I do it? is this the way? could it happen? could I follow through on this without excessive suffering?

I must say, while reading this fascinating (text) book, I was filled with cravings for red meat (rare) and ice cream (creamy and delicious) in anticipation of these foods never again being part of my life. Ha ha

While the program is severe, the recipes appear delicious and for real foodies. Very much worth a try.

[Debra Daniels-Zeller · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is filled with great information about reversing heart disease but the no fat diet-- total elimination--is a little brutal. Still the information is useful in making lifestyle changes. Sometimes the text was boring, too many personal stories. Get to the point. The book could have been shorter. I loved the recipes, which come from various well known chefs, and I' ll definitely be using them again and again.

[Eileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written 20 years ago, this is still the best diet and exercise book for those suffering from heart disease or high risk people wanting to prevent heart disease. Dr. Ornish has written more recent books that contain updated information on drug therapy and medical and surgical intervention, but for the basics on life-style changes this is fine.

[Kenton Monjon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reversing heart disease

After having Atrial heart valve replacement, I have enrolled in Ornish's program at my local hospital and it is paid for by Medicare. I have found the book helpful and look forward to cooking the various recipes. I think this vegan approach can make me much healthier.

[P · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like Dean Ornish's work. Always been a fan. Reversing heart disease through eating plan is a stretch, but if it's going to work, it'll be by Mr Ornish. It's a vegetarian plan and a person really has to be committed to this. I tried it and basically felt as if I was starving to death. But it worked. Great med reports after only a few months.

[Wendy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I've decided not to finish this book. It's too boring.

Here's what I've gathered from the book: if you want a heart-healthy lifestyle reduce the fats in your diet, de-stress your life through meditation/yoga, and exercise.

[Margaret · Rating 2 out of 5]

i'm doing most of this already and i still have problems

[Tom Ratliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, any program promising the hope of reversing coronary blockages sends chills down my spine...it helped convert me to vegan...just have to start meditating and hope for the best.

[Freya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book predates and mimics Dr. Neal Barnard's Reversing Diabetes book by a few decades and provides that solid reputation that lasts over time. The book includes diet, exercise, meditation, stress reduction, yoga as a comprehensive program to achieve results. Results include healthy to optimal levels of cholesterol, artery clearing of plaque build up, medication elimination to manage heart disease, healthy blood glucose levels, through diet, exercise and stress reduction.

In comparison Dr Barnard's Reversing Diabetes doesn't focus on the exercise, meditation, stress reduction or yoga, just diet. It would make sense to start out with Dr. Barnard's program and then transition/implement Dr. Ornish's program since the diet aspects are virtually identical though Barnard's is vegan and Ornish's is vegetarian. I deviate with including 98% fat-free chicken, fat-free fake lobster, fat-free feta cheese, and egg whites. So if you include those foods, it's fine for a chicken and fish eater. You don't have to become a vegetarian or vegan.

The most interesting part of the book was the studies on the clearing of the arteries of decades worth of high-fat eating in the research studies and photos provided via diet and exercise change. I think people believe that once those arteries become clogged, only surgery can remove the plaques but not according to this research. It's a natural form of plaque removal.

[Steve Barrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book a few years before writing this review, so it's not in depth. What I do remember is that Ornish's program for treating heart disease is mostly common sense advice: reduce stress, get exercise, absolutely do not smoke tobacco, and eat a proper diet. Nearly half of this book, in fact, is healthy recipes. It has a lot of anecdotes of people reversing heart disease, and touches on how more than just physical treatment is needed - you have to change your attitude, and open up to your feelings and to the meaning of life. I particularly valued this holistic approach to medicine, which I believe is superior to using only drugs and surgery, and is appropriate for the disease that is the leading cause of death worldwide.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After my husband had a triple bypass at age 34, his surgeon recommended we research the Ornish diet as the only diet that has ever shown to reverse heart disease. He said it's a strict diet (he's right) but it's worth it. We've read a lot of books from different doctors that all have slightly different versions of this plan (Esselystyn, Fuhrman, etc). Following a mostly whole food, plant based diet (we're trying to completely eliminate that last 5% of lean animal protein in 2022), my husband has lost 50 pounds in a year, 40 pounds down for me. Bloodwork looks good, and we feel better. I hope it's doing what it's supposed to inside...

[George S · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've had a heart attack, as I have, and are attempting to reverse heart disease, then this is a good book for you.

I like the things that Dr. Dean Ornish goes into besides just the diet, such as mediation, yoga, opening your heart, etc. I'm trying to work those things into the way I live, too.

Just make sure to reference Chapter 5 of Dr. Esselystyn's book "Prevent and Reverse heart disease", called "Moderation Kills"; I must have missed that, because I was already on a diet similar to Dr. Ornish's about 80% of the time, until my heart attack, and now I'm on it 100% of the time. A heart attack kind of gets your attention, and helps to keep you from deviating from your diet.

[Christina Packard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two plans: One eat only 10% fat 75% complex carbs... to keep away heart disease. Two eat NO fat... to reverse heart disease. Makes a lot of sense, and is like other books out now that fat and meat are the killers. Also an interesting fact he gives, is that exercising like running more than 30 per day.. that one is actually wasting their time because what time you add to your life you are using in doing that extra exercise.

[Thomas Dobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book detailing and explaining Ornish's diet and lifestyle program. It gives you great understanding about how each aspect of the program works to improve health outcomes. It is targeted at people with heart / artery issues but applicable to us all since we are bound to be exposed to heart disease in this world at some point in our lives. I can say from first-hand experience, the different lifestyle changes really do contribute to good health!

[Moksh Juneja · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first follow up after the angioplasty, the doctor said lose weight and stress less.

Everyone tells you to reduce stress, lose weight, exercise, be mindful. This books tells you how to. Of course there are apps, today to follow up. They are experts who can guide you, also. Most importantly it is you who needs to get this done.

Only if you could convert the bill into printable worksheets for diet plans and exercise routine.

[Mohit Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the current era of self-awareness and health consciousness, almost everyone knows about knows about diet yoga and meditation benefits. However, this book still is an eye opener in terms of how certain elements impact our cardiac health and how we can reverse it. Diet recommendations are a bit tedious but sound yummy. Writing style is engaging..brilliant book.

[Grace Callaghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not expect to like this book because the cover is ugly and I don’t have nor expect to have heart disease anytime soon. But OMG it was written so well and although very scientifically based the plot was still engaging with the personal stories of all of the people involved in the study. True evidence of how the body and mind are so interconnected<3

[Susan]

Read long ago.
Only comment is "awesome."

[Stephen Kramar · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think well done, well presented, logical, well structured. Good information.

[Virginia Adi · Rating 4 out of 5]

good suggestions. A little dated at this point.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information. My copy dated 1990 but some things never change.

[Monique Guilland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I surprised myself by being impressed by what he had to say about managing stress and its contribution to illness.