How a Plant-Based Diet for Heart Disease Helped Me Regain Control of My Health

plantbasedhearthea
Jul 19
3 min read

It started on a relaxing weekend with my wife and young children at her cousin’s birthday party at he beach. I enjoyed a large plate of BBQ with all the fixings, brisket, ribs, sausage, and sides. But later that night, I felt chest pain—not just indigestion but something worse.

By Monday, my physician ordered an EKG and found abnormalities. I was only 36, had dealt with high blood pressure for years, and just a year before had normal tests. The diagnosis hit me hard: I had heart disease.

My Diagnosis at 36: A Turning Point

Follow-up tests including a stress test and coronary CT angiography revealed multiple blockages in my arteries. I underwent an angiogram, and doctors recommended a triple bypass surgery, which I declined.

Instead, I researched alternatives. At the Houston Medical Center, a top cardiologist suggested stenting—but I chose to explore natural options first.

Then I met the late Dr. Baxter Montgomery, a pioneer in plant-based cardiac care, who introduced me to a raw vegan detox. To keep the detox simple, I leaned on just a few tools: a basic high-speed blender for smoothies and raw soups, and a sprouting kit for fresh sprouts at home. These made it easier to stay on track without relying on packaged food. Although it was meant to last just three weeks, I extended it to six—and the results surprised me.

How the Detox and a Plant-Based Diet Changed Everything

Before starting, I had:

An enlarged heart
A valve malfunction
Consistently elevated blood pressure
High cholesterol and fatigue

After six weeks of raw plant-based nutrition, follow-up tests revealed:

✅ Normal heart size
✅ Proper valve function
✅ Lowered blood pressure—some of the first readings below “high” in my adult life
✅ Cholesterol levels within the normal range

I felt better physically and emotionally—more in control than ever. I also started taking this plant-based omega-3 supplement, helped support my heart health naturally.

Why This Works: What Science Confirms 🧠

💡 Research Supports Plant-Based Benefits

A major review showed that plant-based diets can reduce coronary heart disease risk by up to 40%, and reverse arterial plaque in up to 91% of patients, while lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. Business Insider+2Raw Vegan Advice+2UCLA Health+2 PCRM+1News-Medical+1
Harvard Health reports plant protein intake is associated with a 19–27% lower risk of heart and coronary artery disease. Harvard Health

🥑 Mechanisms of Healing

A whole-food, plant-based diet improves cardiovascular biomarkers such as LDL cholesterol, inflammation, and blood pressure by eliminating dietary cholesterol and reducing saturated fat. American College of Lifestyle Medicine PCRM
Systematic reviews show that plant protein and fiber improve lipid metabolism and reduce inflammation, reinforcing heart health. UCLA Health+12reddit.com+12eatingwell.com+1
I learned a lot from this book on reversing heart disease through diet. “Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease” by Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn

How I Live Now: Whole-Food Vegan Lifestyle

After completing the raw detox, I transitioned to simple home-cooked plant-based meals—vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts—with minimal processed food. I gradually added variety using resources like bean and lentil soups, smoothies, and fresh salads.

With this change, I gained:

Sustained energy
Healthy weight control (I lost 70+ pounds)
Consistent lab results and vital signs
Daily peace knowing what I'm eating is actively supporting my heart

Key Takeaways If You’re Facing Heart Disease Too

A plant-based diet, especially low in saturated fat and rich in fiber, may help improve blood pressure, reduce LDL cholesterol, and support vascular health. Raw Vegan Advice+15PCRM+15eatingwell.com+15 reddit.com
Real results aren’t immediate but can be powerful: I saw measurable changes in just six weeks.
It’s not a cure—it's a shift toward healing and control. You should continue medical follow-ups while working with your care team.