How Can I Prevent Atherosclerosis?

If you are a smoker, have you stopped smoking?

Do you avoid secondhand smoke?

Do you exercise regularly?

Are you trying to achieve or maintain a healthy weight?

Do you eat a heart-healthy diet (a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and low in refined carbohydrates, sugars, saturated fats and sodium)?

Do you read the list of ingredients on food labels?

Do you know how to successfully manage stress?

Do you check your blood pressure regularly?

Do you check your cholesterol and blood sugar levels regularly?

If you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes or any other chronic illness, do you work with your doctor to manage the condition?

Based on your answers, there are several other ways that can help you prevent atherosclerosis. Smoking damages the walls of your arteries, facilitates the accumulation of plaque and contributes to atherosclerosis. If you are a smoker, it would be good to seek help to quit smoking. Also, do not expose yourself to secondhand smoke. You should eat a heart-healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Try to reduce your intake of refined carbohydrates, sugars, saturated fats and sodium. This way, it will be easier for you to control your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. You should read the ingredient lists on food labels.

Based on your answers, you know a lot about how to prevent atherosclerosis. Regular exercise is beneficial for your overall health, improves the blood flow, lowers your blood pressure and reduces your risk of conditions that contribute to atherosclerosis. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week. You may choose to take the stairs instead of the elevator, or walk after a meal. If you are overweight, your risk of hypertension and high cholesterol levels increases, and thus the risk of atherosclerosis. Try to reduce stress as much as possible. You can use various relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga.