Prevention of Atherosclerosis

You can't do anything about your genes, your gender or your age, but you can adopt a healthy lifestyle.

• Maintain a healthy weight and avoid weight gain as you get older.

• Get plenty of regular exercise - at least 30 minutes a day, most days of the week.

• Eat a healthy diet low in saturated fat and rich in fruits and vegetables.

• If you have high blood cholesterol or high blood pressure, you may need medicine to help lower it. Stick to your treatment plan.

• If you have diabetes, follow your treatment plan.

• If you smoke, stop.

• If stress is a problem, find ways to reduce or control it.

Talk to your health care provider about what you can do to lower your risks for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.