HIIT vs Heart Plaque: Randomized Trial Deep Dive

In this research report deep dive, I walk through a randomized trial that asked a very specific, very modern question: can high-intensity interval training (HIIT) measurably change coronary atherosclerotic plaque—not just your VO₂ max? We go line-by-line through the paper: who they enrolled, what the HIIT protocol actually was, how they measured plaque (and plaque type), what outcomes moved, what didn’t, and the limitations that matter before you turn “exercise is medicine” into a personality. Also: this is ~40 minutes of dense research nerdery. So if you’re here for quick answers, you took a wrong turn. If you’re here for receipts, welcome. Citation: Vesterbekkmo EK, Aksetøy I-LA, Follestad T, Nilsen HO, Hegbom K, Wisløff U, Wiseth R, Madssen E. High-intensity interval training induces beneficial effects on coronary atheromatous plaques: a randomized trial. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. 2023;30:384–392. doi:10.1093/eurjpc/zwac309 Link: https://academic.oup.com/eurjpc/artic... (Not medical advice. Educational only. Don’t watch this and decide to “fix your plaque” by running a marathon tomorrow—talk to your clinician first. I’d like you alive for the follow-up.) Sign up for more information on my own practice here: https://corsighthealth.com/ Other tools for optimal health (note these are affiliate links): Home BP Cuff: https://amzn.to/49Cq7rh Sonicare Toothbrush: https://amzn.to/3KllfMS WaterPik: https://amzn.to/4894Xi8 Apple Watch with sleep & HR monitoring: https://amzn.to/3XaUn5d Oura Ring with sleep, cycle, and recovery monitoring: https://amzn.to/4riyhLS Intake Breathing Nasal Support: https://amzn.to/48dfQQ1 Personal Blender: https://amzn.to/4pyNGGl True Nutrition Protein: https://oken.do/q2xzqeqw Glass Meal Prep Containers: https://amzn.to/4ocEPJ2 Sleep Mask: https://amzn.to/48fSJV5 Air Purifier: https://amzn.to/4puzTQZ ___________________________ 🧬 About Dr. Lily Johnston Dr. Johnston is a double board-certified vascular and general surgeon in San Diego, specializing in metabolic and cardiovascular prevention. She’s the founder of CorSight Health and a passionate advocate for reimagining how medicine approaches chronic disease. #MetabolicHealth #CardiovascularPrevention #HeartHealth #Longevity #InsulinResistance #DrLilyJohnston #DrLily #WomenInMedicine #Surgeon #VascularSurgeon #PreventiveMedicine #PADPrevention #HeartAttackRisks #HealthPortfolio #California #SanDiego #Arizona #Virginia #Minnesota