Atherosclerosis Prevention
The best way to ensure heart health is to prevent risk factors from developing in the first place. Following the steps for heart-healthy living can help prevent or delay these risk factors. If lifestyle changes aren't enough to control your risk factors, talk with your healthcare provider about medicines. Take all your medicines as your provider advises.
A heart-healthy lifestyle starts early in life
Atherosclerosis often begins in childhood and continues developing throughout life. Taking early steps in childhood toward heart-healthy living and continuing through adulthood can prevent atherosclerosis and its complications. Help your kids follow a heart-healthy lifestyle and encourage them to not smoke or vape.
Learn about how and why to make heart health part of your self-care routine.
Medicines to control blood cholesterol levels
Medicines are available to help manage blood cholesterol levels. Your provider may prescribe a or another medicine, depending on your risk for complications, which may be higher if you have had a heart attack or stroke or have diabetes. In addition, your age and cholesterol levels are important factors to consider when choosing medications. High levels of "bad" low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are an important risk factor for plaque buildup.
Talk with your provider about whether medicines can help reduce your risk for plaque buildup. Even If you take a medicine as part of your treatment plan, be sure to continue your healthy lifestyle changes.
Treating other health conditions
Certain medical conditions are risk factors for plaque buildup and complications of atherosclerosis. Your healthcare team can help with treating conditions such as chronic kidney disease; diabetes; high blood pressure; high blood triglycerides; and infections, such as HIV, hepatitis C, and bacterial infections.
Learn about lifestyle changes you can make starting today and ways to get your friends, family, and colleagues involved.