Cardiac services

3200 MacCorkle Ave. SE
Charleston, WV 25304

Frequent questions

How does the Ornish Program work? 
The Ornish Program works by addressing the lifestyle factors, or behaviors, that are proven risk factors for developing heart disease. The objectives of the program are: 

• Reduction of blockages in coronary arteries 

• Improvement in blood flow through the heart 

• Reduction in chest pain (angina) 

• Reduction in serum cholesterol levels 

• Improvement in exercise capacity, sense of well-being, and satisfaction with life. 

The Program is designed to address one or more risk factors associated with to the onset and development of coronary artery disease. Participants-who are screened and approved following consultation with family primary care physicians and cardiologists-are taught to treat key risk factors of heart disease through nutrition, exercise, stress management, and group/emotional support.

Is the Ornish Program a fad or is it based on scientific fact? 
The Ornish Program is the result of more than two decades of research by Dr. Ornish. The results of his studies have been reported in the Lancet, the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), and other respected, peer reviewed medical publications. Dr. Ornish is among the best known researchers of heart disease in the United States and is the author of the best sellers, Dr. Dean Ornish’s Program for Reversing Heart Disease and Eat More, Weigh Less. And, yes, the program produces remarkable results. Dr. Ornish’s studies show that 78 percent of participants were able to avoid bypasses or angioplasty. Is there any risk for participants?

The components of the Ornish Program-a low fat whole foods nutrition plan, exercise, and relaxation to reduce stress-are rooted in common sense. When the program guidelines are followed, there is no significant health risk to participants. 

Why should someone participate when a bypass or angioplasty offers a faster solution? 
A bypass or angioplasty is not an experience that people willingly undergo if there is a better alternative available. Second, in addition to the risks inherent in any surgical procedure, a bypass or angioplasty does not treat the underlying risk factors associated with heart disease-a diet high in fat, a sedentary lifestyle, or stress. If these root causes are not addressed, there is a significant chance that a bypass or angioplasty may turn out to be only a temporary solution. In fact, studies show that up to 50% of bypass recipients must undergo an additional bypass in five to seven years, while 30 to 50 percent of angioplasty recipients must repeat the procedure within six months. 
For people who are committed to changing their lives for the better and taking an active role in managing their own health, the Ornish Program can be the best decision they will ever make.

What are physicians and specialists such as cardiologists saying about the Ornish Program? Do they support the Program? 
As with any treatment, the Ornish Program is bound to have its skeptics. Invariably, physicians who recommend patients to the Program come away convinces of its exceptional value and impressed by the results. The Ornish Program offers tremendous benefits to their patients with no risk. The doctor gains the support of an Ornish Program team that includes a registered dietitian, exercise physiologist, stress management instructor, behavioral health clinician, nurse case manager, program director, and medical director. And participants remain under the care of their physician, who will receive regular progress reports throughout the Program.