I am 70 and have had two mild heart attacks, 3 stents a triple bi-pass and a leaky aortic valve. I take Synthroid, Coumadin, Lisinopril, Furosimide and Plavix and sometimes Protonix and Metoprolol. Can I do your diet and can I reduce my drug load?

Yes, you most certainly can start this diet program. You will need to frequently monitor your PT/INR because eating all the greens will increase your Coumadin needs - but that's OKAY.

Heart Health

CB from Seattle asking:

Should people with the ApoE 3/4 genotype completely avoid alcohol? Also, I heard red wine can can reduce high fibrinogen. Is this true?

A glass of red wine a day is fine. The red wine won't have much affect on fibrinogen. Take Grape Seed Extract and Pycnogenol capsules, both available at Costco. Also, for ApoE 3/4, remember, animal fats are not your friend.

Heart Health

Jane from BC asking:

I had a mitral valve replaced (porcine) at 37. I am now 47 and need another. How do I prevent calcification on the next valve?

If I were 47 and needed a new mitral valve I would get an ON-X valve and take aspirin. That's what I put into patients who won't take coumadin.

Heart Health

JS from NorCal asking:

Triglycerides 29, Chol/HDL 3.0. I also have stress related HBP. Non-stressed BP is 120/70, normally stressed BP is 140/70. Echo test shows slight thickening of ventricular wall. Taking Lisinopril 5 mg. I am looking for a natural alternative.

Try Kyolic Garlic Heart formula 108, 2 capsules twice a day. Also new data show walnuts and walnut oil do the same thing.

Heart Health

JS from San Diego asking:

Echocardiogram shows slight thickening of ventricular wall. GP put me on 5 mg Lisinopril. Looking for non-prescription drug alternative.

Try Kyolic Garlic Heart Formula 108, 2 capsules twice a day. Also, new data show walnuts and walnut oil do the same thing.

Heart Health

JO from TX asking:

Is this a healthy diet plan for someone who just had a quad bypass?

Follow the Diet Evolution as much as possible. It has been remarkably effective at clearing coronary arteries.

Heart Health

NH from MW asking:

Do you recommend L-Arginine for heart health?

L-Arginine is a vasodilator and is useful for treating high blood pressure. The dose is 500-1,000 mg twice a day.

Heart Health

BH from LA asking:

I take Lipitor for high cholesterol and my goal is to reduce or eliminate the intake. I am following your diet and am well into Phase II. Any suggestions?

Half of us carry a gene called KIF6 that makes any statin useless to prevent heart disease. Ask your doctor to order a KIF6 gene test. Medicare covers the cost of it as do some insurance plans.