How soon after my cholesterol decreases does the risk drop?
Interestingly, the changes in blood flow to the heart may be very rapid, probably due to the rapid beneficial effect on the lining of the coronary arteries (the arteries to the heart). However, it takes longer for changes to occur in the cholesterol deposits in the arteries, approximately 2 years. In a study by Dr. Dean Ornish, dramatic lifestyle changes were also found to achieve large decreases in cholesterol levels, with a significant improvement in blood flow through the coronary arteries evident within 12 months. Other studies have also shown very significant improvement within months.
