Atherosclerosis Prevention Tips For The Middle Aged Person

Don’t Drink An Excessive Amount Of Alcohol

The relationship between alcohol consumption and cardiovascular disease is a frequent subject of clinical studies. Light alcohol consumption of no more than two alcoholic drinks a day has been shown to have little-to-no effect on the development of most cardiovascular diseases. In fact, a 1998 study found light-to-moderate alcohol consumption can even slow or reverse the effects of atherosclerosis in some individuals. Heavy alcohol consumption including binge drinking, on the other hand, has been found to have a positive correlation with the development of atherosclerosis. Thus, individuals looking to mitigate their risk of developing atherosclerosis should avoid excessive alcohol consumption and absolutely avoid binge drinking.

Don’t Smoke

Smoking is one of the worst overall health decisions an individual can make. Smokers run a much higher risk of developing numerous health complications including cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. Smoking can damage blood vessels and constrict arteries, significantly increasing an individual's chances of being diagnosed with atherosclerosis or complicating the symptoms of atherosclerosis further. Even exposure to secondhand smoke has been found to lead to a slight increase in rates of atherosclerosis. Thus, preventing atherosclerosis, along with numerous other health issues, is significantly linked to individuals not smoking in the first place, or at least quitting if they've already been smoking.