What is atherosclerosis and why it matters

Can diet really reverse atherosclerosis, or is that an overpromise? Since sharing my own coronary CT angiogram results, this question has come up almost daily. In this episode, I revisit the best clinical trials to see what the evidence actually says.

I break down six randomised controlled trials and explain how different dietary patterns influence plaque progression, plaque stability, and cardiovascular events.

What we cover

• What atherosclerosis is and how it develops over time
• The tools used to measure plaque and artery health
• Evidence from six major randomised controlled trials on diet and atherosclerosis
• What Mediterranean and low fat diets actually achieve in practice
• Whether diet still matters if you are already on medication
• Key takeaways for prevention, progression, and long term heart health

Diet cannot do everything, but the evidence shows it can meaningfully change the trajectory of atherosclerosis and reduce cardiovascular risk.

• Intro (00:00)
• What is Atherosclerosis? Understanding Plaque Buildup (02:06)
• 4 Ways to Measure Plaque: CAC, IMT, CTA, and QCA (05:35)
• The Gold Standard: 6 Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) (09:36)
• The 1990 Lifestyle Heart Trial (Dean Ornish) (12:20)
• The STARS Trial: Omega-3s & Fiber for Plaque Reversal (19:17)
• The SCRIP Trial: Stacking Lifestyle and Medication (23:36)
• PREDIMED Study: The Power of the Mediterranean Diet (26:53)
• CORDIOPREV Results: Secondary Prevention of Heart Disease (32:53)
• DISCO CT Trial: Modern AI Imaging of Plaque Changes (39:24)
• Summary of Clinical Evidence: What Actually Shrinks Plaque? (43:53)
• 3 Critical Takeaways for Managing Your Heart Health (46:25)

This episode is brought to you by:

38TERA

Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout.

38Tera ships to the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.

Shopify

Shopify, the world's leading e-commerce platform, helps you turn browsers into buyers with the internet’s best-converting check out–up to 36% better compared to other leading e-commerce platforms. To boost your conversion rate, and grow your business, sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial at shopify.com/proof.

IM8

With 92 nutrients, including Vitamin B12, Iodine, Selenium and Vitamin D, in highly absorbable forms, IM8 Daily Essentials is the perfect all-in-one daily multi-vitamin to ensure you meet your daily micronutrient needs. IM8 is offering an exclusive 10% off your first order with a free welcome kit when you enter the promo code SIMON at checkout on im8health.com.

IM8 ships to 27 countries including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, and many regions across Europe, Asia, and South America.

Pique Tea

Pique’s Pu’er Tea Duo brings ancient fermentation into a simple daily ritual, delivering living nutrients that support digestion, metabolism, and sustained energy from the inside out. Unlock 20% off and establish your powerful foundation for sustained well-being at Piquelife.com/SIMON.

Pique ships within the U.S. and to Australia, Canada, and select EU countries.

Function Health

Take charge of your health with advanced blood testing and personalised insights. Function Health offers a practical way to track key health markers such as cholesterol, blood sugar, and more. Learn more and join at functionhealth.com/simonhill for a $25 credit toward your membership. Only available to those living in the United States.

Function Health ships to 48 U.S. states, excluding Rhode Island, Hawai‘i, and Puerto Rico.

Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons)

• Creator of theproof.com
• Host of The Proof with Simon Hill
• Author of The Proof is in the Plants

Subscribe & Connect:

• YouTube
• Apple Podcasts
• Spotify
• Instagram: @simonhill
• Twitter: @theproof
• Facebook: The Proof with Simon Hill