Atherosclerosis: The Enemy Within

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Are You at Risk?

Almost everyone is at risk for atherosclerosis.
           
Studies have shown that plaque buildup starts in childhood, and fatty streaks have been found in teenagers’ arteries. And while advancing age and heredity contribute to a person’s individual risk, atherosclerosis is a lifelong process and is influenced by behavior, habits, and risk factors.
           
It is never too early (or too late) to start making healthy choices to minimize the risks you can control.

• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke: Tobacco smoke damages the endothelium directly, makes platelets stickier, and raises heart rate and blood pressure.
• Exercise: Regular exercise helps keep the artery walls flexible and helps control weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
• Follow a heart-healthy diet: A diet high in saturated fats damages the endothelium, while fruits, vegetables, whole grains, monounsaturated fats, and fish oil contain nutrients that can promote a healthy weight and blood pressure and limit artery damage.

Make sure you are regularly screened for common atherosclerosis risk factors and that if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, you manage the condition.