 [ Symptoms ] how can i avoid atherosclerosis [ Disease ] atherosclerosis is progressive but it is 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 have 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