@bitsygirl thank you very much for your detailed reply. I'm in a similar situation, though my nuclear stress test indicated less than 70% blockage. I appreciate the comparison to sludge in a pipe-makes a lot of sense. Since on statins, 40mgs of crestor, I was able to lower my ldl from 115 to 43. I also learned that plaque can begin to be eliminated so long as the ldl is below 50. So there is some hope that with continued statin, more plant based dieting, and exercise, I may continue to improve.