Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease

Categories: Promote Health and Wellness

Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield offers the Dr. Dean Ornish Program in an effort to coordinate preventive and primary care for patients with heart disease and promote healthy lifestyle habits that can slow, stop and reverse the damage caused by the chronic condition.  The program is divided into two versions:

• The Reversal Model – Designed for individuals with known heart disease or who are at high risk of developing heart disease or diabetes
• Ornish Advantage – Intended for individuals who are at risk of developing heart disease and are seeking to prevent it

The program has resulted in significant improvements, with 78 percent of participants avoiding bypass surgery or angioplasty procedures.  Participants also experienced statistically significant reductions in all risk categories, including angina, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, weight and body fat.  Additionally, a 2003 cost analysis estimated that program participation saved an average of more than $17,000 per patient from avoided invasive procedures, heart attacks, medication use and cardiac rehabilitation.