Dr. Dean Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease An Innovative, Proven Alternative for Reversing Heart Disease This program treats coronary artery disease with alternatives to conventional methods, such as angioplasty and arterial bypass surgery. The Ornish Program is the first program scientifically proven to reverse heart disease. The Ornish program works by addressing lifestyle behaviors through stress management, group support, exercise, and nutrition in an intensive 12 weeks. The program's objectives are to: Reduce blockage in coronary arteries Improve blood flow through the heart Reduce chest pain (angina) Reduce serum cholesterol levels Improve exercise capacity, sense of well-being, and satisfaction with life The American health system excels at treating disease and trauma but trails much of the developed world when it comes to addressing the root causes of disease and using alternatives as part of an integrated treatment plan. Common sense and good economics tell us to use what works in our health care approach.