heart and blood vessel disorders
Atherosclerosis
Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis
Lifestyle changes to reduce risk of complications Sometimes drugs To help prevent atherosclerosis, people need to Eat a healthy diet Starting an Exercise Program None Treatment None Smoking Cessation None Lower LDL cholesterol levels Treatment None Lower blood glucose levels Sometimes, take drugs such as a statin Eating a healthy diet can help decrease the risk of atherosclerosis. A diet low in saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, highly processed foods, and alcohol and high in fruits, vegetables, and fiber decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Healthy diet and exercise can promote weight loss if a person is overweight or obese. People who smoke should stop smoking. People who quit using tobacco have only half the risk of those who continue to use tobacco—regardless of how long they smoked before quitting. People who have high blood pressure should lower their blood pressure with lifestyle changes and drugs. People who have diabetes must maintain strict control of their blood sugar (glucose). People who are at high risk of atherosclerosis also may benefit from taking certain drugs. Helpful drugs include the statins, which lower cholesterol (even if cholesterol levels are normal or only slightly high), and in some cases,aspirinor other antiplatelet drugs (drugs that keep platelets from sticking together and forming blockages in blood vessels).Aspirinand other antiplatelet drugs can cause bleeding so these drugs should only be taken if patients are at very high risk of atherosclerosis. Some drugs used to treat high blood pressure and some drugs used to treat diabetes also help reduce risk of atherosclerosis. When atherosclerosis becomes severe enough to cause complications, the complications themselves must be treated. Complications include Treatment None Treatment None Treatment None Treatment None Chronic Kidney Disease None Treatment None Occlusive Peripheral Arterial Disease (intermittent claudication) Gangrene 