Introduction:
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is thought to be progressive; standard treatment protocols call for instituting a low fat/low cholesterol diet program, exercise, and lipid lowering agents. This results in an approximate 30-40% new event rate in 5 yrs. We evaluated our treatment strategy to reverse CAD with The Corus Score (CS) (Cardiodx, Redwood City, Ca), proven to quantify coronary artery obstructive plaque by the expression of 23 genes.
Methods:
Based upon using a Lectin-limited diet to prevent/reverse Metabolic Syndrome and CAD, we have enrolled and followed 800 pts (aged 42-89 yrs) with known CAD, defined as previous MI, stent, CABG, or positive stress test/angiogram, positive CS greater than 30, into a physician coached program, which reduces grains, legumes, nightshades, seeded vegetables, Casein A1 milk, (the all lectin containing food groups),and fruits; emphases consumption a liter of olive oil/wk, large amts of green vegetables, and 4 oz amts of proteins, avoiding commercial poultry (Matrix Protocol). All Apo E 4 genotypes avoided animal fats and cheeses. Pts were instructed to take 4,000 mg of high DHA fish oil, 200mg of Grape Seed Extract, and 25 mg of Pycnogenol per day, and consume polyphenol rich coffee and/or teas and 1 oz dark chocolate/day. Diets/supplements were individualized based on results of Advanced Cardiovascular Risk Markers (ACRM), which were sent to two core labs. Yearly assessment of CAD severity was measured by Corus Score (possible range 1-40). Any score above 30 was assessed by Nuclear Stress testing.
Results:
Pts have been followed for 1.5 to 6 years (mean 4.5 yrs). Only 6/800 pts (0.5%) have received a new stent, all 6 had rising Corus scores: two also had a rising Lp-PLA2, 2 had rising Cardiac Troponin I levels; one pt required CABG: . There have been no MI’s, unstable angina. Corus scores at baseline decreased from 34+/-4 (range 6-36) to 24+/-3, P<0.01. Only 64/800 pts (8%) had a rise in Corus scores/ 736/800 pts’ CS declined or remained stable (92%). Only 6/64 Corus scores had positive Stress tests.
Conclusions:
Simple Nutrigenomic-based dietary interventions, based upon ACRM's and Corus Scores, represents a quantum leap forward in preventing/modifying Cardiovascular events in known CAD patients.
Elevated Troponin I in the Absence of Coronary Artery Disease: A Case Report With Review of Literature