What lifestyle changes decrease the risk of atherosclerosis?
Three top lifestyle behaviors are associated with premature death — smoking, an unhealthy diet, and an inactive lifestyle. If you smoke, now is a great time to quit. Ask your primary care provider to help you get appropriate tobacco cessation medication or support. Learn about a healthy diet, limiting the amount of saturated fat and cholesterol and begin a moderate exercise program of 30 minutes or more of a moderate intensity activity on most days of the week. Additional attention should be paid to weight loss if overweight, limiting alcohol intake to one or two drinks a day and reducing the amount of stress in your life.
