Preventing and Managing Atherosclerosis

Sep 30, 2018

The main treatment for atherosclerosis is lifestyle changes which along with ongoing medical care, can help a person live a healthier life.

Atherosclerosis is best prevented and managed by a healthy lifestyle and a healthy diet, where high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol are controlled, regular exercise undertaken and a healthy weight is maintained - diabetes mellitus must be prevented or managed and smoking stopped or never started.

Even though improvements in treatments have reduced the number of deaths from atherosclerosis-related diseases and have improved the quality of life for people with these diseases, the number of people diagnosed with atherosclerosis still remains high.

Scientists continue to search for ways to improve the health of people who have atherosclerosis or are likely to get it by finding more effective medicines, identifying those most at risk earlier and exploring alternative treatments.

Those with atherosclerosis are urged to work closely with their doctor and other health carers to avoid serious problems such as heart attack and stroke and take steps to control the disease.