Atherosclerosis Prevention
Atherosclerosis prevention starts with 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 component is adopting a healthy lifestyle, which includes following a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, being physically active, and stopping (or not starting) smoking. In addition, prevention of atherosclerosis may include taking medication.
Atherosclerosis Prevention: An Overview
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 for effective atherosclerosis prevention involve:
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
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