An Outdated Approach to Preventing Heart Attacks

Dr. Agatston likens this invasive approach for managing heart disease to a plumbing model. In The South Beach Heart Program, he explains that doctors formerly believed that the gradual growth of plaque narrowed the arteries and, thus, reduced blood flow to the heart. Eventually, a clot would develop, resulting in a heart attack. The logical solution seemed to be to open the artery with angioplasty and stenting (or to bypass it) to improve blood flow. But, as Dr. Agatston notes in his book — and as the latest studies confirm — the plumber's approach is outdated and inaccurate.

"While the great majority of patients are presently being treated according to this plumbing model, the treatment of the future belongs to doctors who I characterize as 'healers,'" says Dr. Agatston. "We now know that most heart attacks occur when a soft, cholesterol-rich plaque bursts, resulting in the formation of a blood clot that suddenly blocks the flow of blood to the heart. These soft plaques occur in the lining of the artery wall, not in the artery itself, which is why merely opening up a blocked artery will not prevent a heart attack or stroke," he explains.