Can a specific type of exercise reduce plaque in the arteries?

The following research assessed the effect of six months supervised high intensity interval training (HIIT) on coronary plaque using intravascular ultrasound in patients with stable coronay artery disease (Vesterbekkmo EK, et.al., 2022).

Sixty patients were randomized to two sessions of weekly supervised HIIT at 85-95% of peak heart rate or allocated to the control group which followed contemporary preventive guidelines. Intravascular ultrasound was used to measure atheroma volume. The study went on for 6 months.

The results showed a significant reduction in coronary plaque after 6 months for the HIIT group when compared to the control group.

You only have to spend a fraction of the time exercising if you implement high intensity interval training compared to regular exercise.

Reference

Elisabeth Kleivhaug Vesterbekkmo 1 2 3, Inger-Lise Aamot Aksetøy 1 2 3, Turid Follestad 4, Hans Olav Nilsen 1 2, Knut Hegbom 1, Ulrik Wisløff 2 5, Rune Wiseth 1 2, Erik Madssen, High intensity interval training induces beneficial effects on coronary atheromatous plaques - a randomized trial, Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2022 Dec 23;zwac309.

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