Atherosclerosis refers to the buildup of fats and cholesterol on your arterial walls. These buildups can restrict blood flow or trigger a blood clot, which can lead to dangerous complications. Although the symptoms of atherosclerosis can be difficult to recognize, if you are diagnosed early enough, this condition is entirely treatable and preventable.
Treatment for atherosclerosis will typically focus on overall lifestyle changes, but medications or surgical procedures may also be recommended depending on the location and severity of your atherosclerosis.
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes can slow the progression of atherosclerosis once you have been diagnosed, as well as prevent atherosclerosis altogether if you previously know you are at a risk for developing the disease. The most important lifestyle changes to implement are:
- Eating a healthy diet: A heart-healthy diet consists of lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It's also low in cholesterol, saturated fats, and sodium. If you are able to follow this kind of diet, it can help lower your cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure, all of which help improve your atherosclerosis.
- Exercising regularly: Physical activity is very beneficial for your circulation, as well as lowering blood pressure and reducing your risk for diabetes. In order to get the most benefit, you should try to exercise at least 30 to 60 minutes per day.
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Losing as little as five pounds can help reduce your risk of atherosclerosis, especially if you are overweight.
- Managing stress: Excessive amounts of stress can make atherosclerosis worse, so try to learn healthy techniques for managing your stress.
- Stop smoking: Smoking and other forms of tobacco cause great damage to your arteries. If you smoke or use tobacco, quitting is a great way to stop the progression of atherosclerosis and reduce your risk for developing any complications.
Medications
In addition to lifestyle changes, there are also many drugs that can slow or reverse the effects of atherosclerosis. Here are some of the most common.
- Cholesterol medication: Using medications to lower your LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol can immediately start to slow, stop, or reverse the buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries.
- Anti-platelet medications: One example of this medication is aspirin, and doctors use it to reduce the risk of platelets clumping in narrowed arteries.
- Beta-blockers: Beta blockers are used to reduce the demand on your heart and relieve symptoms such as chest pain. These medications reduce the risk of heart attacks by lowering heart rate and blood pressure.
- ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors: ACE inhibitors work by lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of heart attacks.
- Calcium channel blockers: These medications are often used to treat angina as well as lower blood pressure.
- Diuretics (water pills): These medications also work to lower blood pressure.
- Other options: There are other medications that can treat specific symptoms or risk factors for atherosclerosis, such as diabetes.
If you are experiencing more severe symptoms or are at risk for dangerous complications, then more aggressive treatment may be needed. Some surgical procedures that are commonly performed for atherosclerosis include angioplasties, stent placements, endarterectomies, thrombolytic therapy, and bypass surgery.
