Is there merit in dr caldwell esselstyn's program for reversing heart disease ie a plant based diet with no added oils or fats?

Maybe...: As with a variety of 'alternative' health care treatments i always advise my patients to do their homework, review the product with their doctor before starting it; and most importantly..."let the buyer beware"!

Ornish diet: There is some evidence to back such diets. Dean ornish published literature in lancet 1990 that showed reversal or pre existing coronary disease using a very aggressive diet (vegan based i think).