1. Explore Your Medication Options
There are numerous medications available to address hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Which medication you take depends on what is causing your arteries to harden. If, for example, high blood pressure is the major contributing factor, then diuretics like HydroDIURIL (for slightly high blood pressure) or beta blockers like Coreg or Lopressor (for more serious blood pressure) will be prescribed for treatment. If diabetes has contributed to the onset of hardening arteries and heart disease, then insulin, biguanides (for the decrease of glucose production in the liver), meglitinides (pancreas stimulation) or an incretin mimetic like Byetta can be used to treat the conditions.
Cholesterol buildup is commonly the primary cause of hardening arteries, so medications that address high cholesterol are typically key. Statins such as Lipitor, Zocor or Crestor are used to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol), and they are shown to work within four to six weeks. Those with high cholesterol can also use a cholesterol absorption inhibitor like Zetia to help treat hardening of the arteries. Additional cholesterol treatments include Niacor (a niacin/vitamin B medication), Lopid and Tricor.
A common preventative measure is aspirin. Aspirin has long been known to be beneficial for those at risk for or already suffering from atherosclerosis. While an aspirin regimen does not directly treat arteriosclerosis, it does help prevent blood from forming harmful clots, thereby reducing the risk of such clots becoming lodged in regions where arteries have hardened.
2. Make Lifestyle Changes
Major lifestyle changes are almost always required in order to treat the hardening of the arteries. Losing weight is commonly a first step. Even a reduction of 10 pounds has been shown to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis dramatically. Most doctors will recommend patients drop their overall body weight within the realm considered healthy for their height. A male standing 5 feet 8 inches, for example, should nominally weigh approximately 160 pounds. Additional lifestyle changes include quitting certain vices such as smoking or heavy drinking, both of which are directly linked to a number of heart-related diseases, not just atherosclerosis. Better stress management, in combination with some of the above lifestyle changes, is also beneficial and can have secondary effects like a reduction in cholesterol and/or blood pressure.
3. Consider Surgery as a Last Resort
Surgery is commonly used as the last line of defense to prevent greater complications as a result of atherosclerosis. Surgical options include balloon angioplasty, stenting and bypass surgery. Balloon angioplasty involves inserting a catheter topped with a tiny balloon, which is used to force open the artery wherever it is blocked as a result of plaque buildup. This procedure can damage the vessels as a result of the stretching of the balloon and the walls of the vessel itself, but it is known to be very effective.
Stenting refers to the depositing of a metal tube or wire mesh structure into the artery. Stents are commonly used after angioplasty to add a support structure to the newly stretched arterial wall. Stents can also be coated with medications that inhibit the reformation of harmful plaque.
The last, most invasive surgical procedure is called bypass. Bypass surgery involves rerouting blood from a damaged artery to an artery that is not blocked. Each of these procedures can be used in tandem, too, enabling doctors to provide a host of medical treatments.
