1. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet
Coronary artery disease, also known as coronary heart disease, results when plaque forms in the coronary arteries (atherosclerosis). The plaque consists mostly of cholesterol and fat, and it restricts blood flow to the heart. However, proper lifestyle modifications can reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and prevent coronary artery disease.
Eating a heart-healthy diet has proven very effective in preventing coronary artery disease and coronary atherosclerosis. Doctors and dietitians recommend eating low-fat and low-cholesterol foods. Doctors also recommend taking in less than 200 mg of cholesterol per day as well as having less than 25 to 35 percent of a day's calories coming from fats. Foods high in soluble fiber, as well as fruits and vegetables, also help to lower cholesterol, which helps prevent coronary artery disease. Foods low in sodium can help to reduce blood pressure, which also aids in preventing the onset of coronary artery disease.
2. Lower Your BMI
People who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease. Losing body weight can help prevent the onset of coronary artery disease. Eating a healthy diet, low in calories and fat, and exercising can help reduce body weight. Doctors recommend having a body mass index (BMI) below 25. At this level, you have a reduced risk of developing coronary artery disease. Furthermore, lowering your body weight by 7 to 10 percent can also dramatically decrease the risk of developing coronary heart disease and other health problems.
3. Get Active
To prevent coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis, people should begin an active lifestyle. Exercising for approximately 30 minutes per day is effective in preventing coronary artery disease and helps to keep the heart healthy. Exercising every day will help lower body weight, and it can lower bad cholesterol (low-density lipoproteins, or LDL) in the blood as well. Exercise can even help to increase your good cholesterol (high-density lipoproteins, or HDL). Losing weight, decreasing blood LDL levels and increasing blood HDL levels can all help to prevent the development of coronary artery disease.
4. Keep Stress in Check
People who experience a lot of stress and anger in their daily lives have a higher risk of developing various heart problems, including coronary artery disease. Reducing stress levels on a daily basis can help keep your heart healthy. People should try to reduce stress and anger by using stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation or yoga.
5. Be a Quitter: Stop Smoking
One great way to help prevent coronary artery disease is to stop smoking. Smokers have a much-higher risk of developing atherosclerosis, which can lead to coronary artery disease. Smoking constricts blood vessels and can increase blood pressure, both of which can lead to coronary heart disease. Quitting smoking and limiting or avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke can greatly reduce your risk of developing coronary heart disease and a whole host of other health problems.
