Treatment for Atherosclerosis: Lifestyle Changes, Natural Alternatives, Medications and Surgery

Atherosclerosis is the hardening and narrowing of the arteries due to the buildup of plaque. Atherosclerosis often leads to cardiovascular disease, the number one killer in the United States. Timely treatment to slow or reverse atherosclerosis can help prevent serious complications, such as heart attack and stroke. Treatment options for atherosclerosis include lifestyle changes, natural alternatives, medications and surgery.

Treatment Options for Atherosclerosis: Lifestyle Changes
Many of the risk factors for atherosclerosis are due to lifestyle choices. Reducing these risk factors can help treat atherosclerosis once it has begun by slowing or stopping the progress of the disease.

• Smoking - Tobacco smoke damages the arteries and tightens already constricted blood vessels. If you smoke, quit as soon as possible. If you live with a smoker, encourage them to quit or ask them not to smoke around you.


• Exercise - Increasing your physical activity helps control your cholesterol levels, lowers high blood pressure, increases circulation, and reduces your weight. Regular exercise also helps the body develop collateral vessels, which are extra blood vessels that create a natural bypass around blockages.
  
  The goal should be 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise three to five days per week. Aerobic exercise includes activities as walking, running, swimming and bicycling. Breaking the exercise into 10 minute sessions done throughout the day is just as effective as exercising a straight 30 minutes or more. Ask your doctor for suggestions on what type of exercise would be right for you.


• Weight - Maintaining a healthy weight is important while treating atherosclerosis. Your body mass index (BMI) should be between 18.5 and 24.9. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute offers a free BMI calculator on their website: Calculate Your Body Mass.