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Atherosclerosis Prevention
If your goal is to prevent atherosclerosis, start by recognizing your risk factors for the condition, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, and then treating and monitoring these conditions. An important part of lowering your atherosclerosis risk is adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes following a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and being physically active. Medication may also be helpful.
Atherosclerosis is largely a preventable disease. Regardless of your age, background, or health status, you can lower your risk for atherosclerosis -- and it doesn't have to be complicated. Protecting your body from the effects of atherosclerosis can be as simple as taking a brisk walk, whipping up a good vegetable soup, or getting the support you need to maintain a healthy weight.
And the good news: Research shows that people can lower their risk enormously -- by as much as 82 percent -- simply by adopting sensible health habits. It's never too late to start protecting your heart health. A recent study shows that among people ages 70 to 90, leading a healthy lifestyle reduces the chances of dying from heart disease due to atherosclerosis by nearly two-thirds.
The steps you can take involve:
- Knowing your atherosclerosis risk factors
- Monitoring your health
- Knowing your family
- Making lifestyle changes
- Possibly taking medication.
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD