atherosclerosis is progressive but it's also preventable. nine risk factors are to blame for up to 90% of all heart attacks: smoking. /li> high cholesterol. /li> high blood pressure. /li> diabetes. /li> abdominal obesity ("spare tire"). /li> stress. /li> not eating fruits and vegetables. /li> excess alcohol intake (more than one drink for women one or two drinks for men per day). not exercising regularly. /li> experts agree that reducing your risk factors leads to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. for people at moderate or higher risk -- those who’ve had a heart attack or stroke or who suffer angina -- taking a baby aspirin a day can be important. aspirin helps prevent clots from forming. ask your doctor before starting daily aspirin as it can have side effects.
how can i avoid atherosclerosis?