Can you reverse arterial disease ? i understand that you can stop it getting worse by giving up smoking etc. but can you reverse it and if so how ?

Possibly: Atherosclerosis, at least in developed societies, is a progressive process that can be slowed with aggressive preventive strategies. There is evidence that it can be stabilized. Reversal, or regression, may be possible. Keeping ldl-cholesterol below 60 mg/dl may be a key, but control of all risk factors is critical. Note: there are no "magic" answers, despite all the infomercials asking for $!

No quick fix: While strict avoidance of tobacco, exercise, aggressive control of cholesterol and statin use can slow progression or even halt the development of arterial disease, regression occurs less commonly.