1. Lose Weight
Manage your atherosclerosis--the hardening of your arteries due to cholesterol and fat buildup--by maintaining a healthy weight. If you are above your ideal weight, shed some pounds through a combination of diet and exercise. Following a low-fat, low-salt diet is a natural way to lower cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Start off by switching to part-skim cheese and fat-free milk and yogurts, rather than their full-fat equivalents. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins like pork and chicken, and limit the amount of high-fat, processed convenience foods you eat. Take a daily walk or find a sport you enjoy and aim to do 30 minutes of exercise every day.
2. Take Medication
Some people can effectively manage their atherosclerosis with medications, as well as through lifestyle changes. Blood thinners like warfarin and heparin may be prescribed to dissolve or prevent blood clots. Your doctor may put you on statin drugs to help bring your cholesterol levels down into a healthy range. Beta blockers and calcium channel blockers can stabilize the high blood pressure that sometimes comes along with atherosclerosis. Ask your doctor how each specific medication works, and make sure you understand the side effects you could experience while taking the drugs.
3. Consider Surgical Options
Surgery may be the safest option if you have an advanced case of atherosclerosis. A procedure called a carotid endarterectomy can be performed through an incision near your jaw. The surgeon opens up the affected arteries and removes the plaque that is blocking the blood flow. Expect to stay in the hospital for several days after having an endarterectomy. You can usually resume light activities in about a week and gradually work up to more physically demanding tasks.
Coronary heart disease is often a result of the hardening of the arteries. People who have heart disease may require angioplasty or bypass surgery.
