atherosclerosis prevention should start early preferably during childhood and adolescence. most scientists believe that preventing atherosclerosis is more effective than trying to reverse established blockages or getting rid of plaques in the arteries. therefore children and adolescents should be taught lifetime habits of regular exercise avoidance of smoking and good nutrition. unfortunately many americans have not taken adequate steps to prevent atherosclerosis. reasons for this failure include: lack of awareness that they already have coronary atherosclerosis and ignorance that coronary atherosclerosis and heart attacks are preventable. lack of awareness of their blood cholesterol levels and profiles. unwillingness or inability to quit cigarette smoking. high blood pressure or diabetes that are either undiagnosed or inadequately controlled. lack of exercise an excess of fat and cholesterol in their diet and an inability to lose excess weight. failure to take full advantage of medications that improve cholesterol profiles usually out of fear of potential side effects.
have most people done enough to prevent atherosclerosis and heart attacks?