This research investigates the use of diet and ex

This research investigates the use of diet and exercise in cardiac rehabilitation. Cardiovascular disease and the resultant heart attacks account for half the deaths in America each year. The traditional medical approach to treatment with angioplasty to clear the blocked arteries and bypass surgery to make new pathways around them are of limited benefit and treat only the result of the prolem, not the cause. This paper looks at non-medical solutions to prevent and rehabilitate cardiovascular problems.

In the United States, more than 40 million people are known to have cardiovascular disease and many more remain undiagnosed (Ornish, 1990, p. 11). Sixty million Americans suffer from high blood pressure and 80 million from high cholesterol levels, both of which are major contributors to the development of atherosclerosis by plaque formation (Ornish, 1990, p. 11). One and a half million Americans suffer a heart attack each year (Ornish, 1990, p. 11), and 20 percent of these are fatal (Zugibe, 1986, p. 3.). Thirty-five percent of first-time heart attack victims are at low risk for having another attack, but 25 percent are at high risk (Gordon & Gibbons, 1990, pp. 29-32). Heart disease is a major health problem in the United States and its prevention and treatment are being rigorously investigated.

The conventional treatments for cardiovascular disease (clogging of the coronary arteries), angioplasty and bypass surgery, treat the problem but do not cure it or prevent i

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Webb, 1988, pp. 26-43). Whitaker (1985) points out that although Eskimos eat a high-fat diet, most of the fat comes from fish, it is high in omega-3 oils and so they do not suffer the cardiovascular consequences of those on a typical western high-fat diet (p.64). The Masai of Africa exist on a diet of milk and blood, which is high in fat. They have a high degree of atherosclerosis on autopsy, but, because of their extremely active lifestyle, their coronary vessels are twice the size of those of Western societies, and thus the plaque does not disrupt blood flow and lead to heart attacks (p. 64). McDougall (1996) is another proponent of a primitive type diet for cardiovascular health. The McDougall Program for a Healthy Heart (pp. 74-83) recommends a diet rich in whole grains, vegetables and a generous use of spices. McDougall cautions those on the program to restrict their intake of fruits, fruit juices and dried fruits since they have a high fructose (fruit sugar) content, which raises the level of LDLs. Sugars, sweeteners and salt should be kept to a minimum, and higher plant foods such as nuts, avocados, coconut, olives and soy bean products should be restricted because of their high fat content. Animal foods and oil

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