Question 40 of 433
I have been told I have plaque. Is that a death sentence?
The short answer
No. Plaque can be stabilized, and with intensive treatment it can shrink. Finding it early is good fortune.
When LDL cholesterol is driven low enough, usually with a statin plus a second medicine such as ezetimibe or a PCSK9 inhibitor, imaging studies show plaque volume decreasing and the dangerous soft plaque becoming firmer and less likely to rupture. Blood pressure control, not smoking, exercise, and, for people with diabetes or obesity, the newer metabolic drugs all add protection.
I tell patients that a positive scan is not a verdict. It is a head start. The people I worry about are the ones who have plaque and do not know it.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
ROBUST HUMAN TRIALS — Adults with atherosclerotic disease: lipid lowering reduces events; imaging regression is a separate outcome.Evidence grade (draft mapping)ARobust human trialsPart 3, Q40 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.