Prevention of atherosclerosis is an important measure to prevent coronary heart disease (angina, heart attack), as well as other diseases (hypertension, strokes). It should be aimed at the main causes of formation in blood vessels. The development of atherosclerosis is promoted by obesity, hereditary forms of lipid metabolism disorders, poor diet, inactive lifestyle, smoking, endocrine diseases and inflammation of the arterial walls.

Measures to prevent atherosclerosis include:

1. Avoiding inhalation of cigarette smoke and various aerosols. It is necessary to stop communicating with smokers, use tobacco products (including hookah) and not be in rooms where people smoke (passive smoking is also dangerous in terms of the development of atherosclerosis). Cigarette smoke contains substances that increase cholesterol in the blood, narrow blood vessels, damage arterial walls and block them.
2. Refusal of alcoholic drinks.
3. Taking medications (statins). They are indicated for dyslipidemia.
4. Maintaining optimal weight. It is necessary to maintain a normal body mass index (from 18.5 to 24.9). Exceeding this indicator promotes atherosclerosis. To prevent weight gain, it is recommended to move after eating, exercise, treat endocrine diseases, do not overeat, do not eat at night, do not be stressed and stop using hormonal drugs. If obesity develops, you can use weight loss drugs (Orlistat Canon, Xenical), reduce the calorie content of food and increase physical activity.
5. Proper nutrition.
6. Periodic laboratory tests (determination of cholesterol and individual fractions of lipoproteins in the blood). LDL and VLDL are responsible for the development of atherosclerosis.
7. Treatment of existing pathologies (diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, hypertension, diseases of the adrenal glands and pituitary gland).
8. Refusal from uncontrolled use of medications.

How to eat

To avoid atherosclerosis, you need to adhere to the following nutritional rules:

1. Take into account the physiological and age-related caloric norms. The total calorie content should not greatly exceed energy consumption.
2. Reduce consumption of salt, sugar, smoked meats, pickles, marinades, flour products and sweets. If there is a high risk of developing atherosclerosis, it is better to avoid these products.
3. Eat at least 3-4 times a day.
4. Do not eat later than 8 pm and before bed.
5. Eat little, but often.
6. Avoid dry snacks.
7. Do not eat at fast food establishments.
8. Steam, bake or boil food.
9. Provide a complete breakfast. It should be the second highest calorie meal after lunch.

What not to eat

If there is a risk of developing atherosclerosis, prevention involves avoiding the consumption of certain foods. These include:

• coffee;
• caviar;
• canned food;
• mayonnaise;
• store-bought sauces and ketchups;
• fatty meats (beef, lamb, duck, pork);
• cream;
• jellies;
• pates;
• alcohol;
• offal;
• lard and bacon;
• sausages;
• chips;
• dishes from fast food establishments (french fries, strips, nuggets, burgers, tortillas).

Physical activity

Physical activity can prevent cerebral atherosclerosis. It also helps burn extra calories. To prevent atherosclerosis, it is recommended:

• exercise;
• walk for at least 1 hour every day;
• walk at least 5 km daily;
• do morning exercises;
• engage in fitness and athletics;
• in winter, skiing and skating;
• Spend less time lying on the couch and at the computer.

Traditional methods

Prevention of cerebral atherosclerosis includes the use of traditional medicine. The following agents have a beneficial effect on the vascular wall:

1. A decoction based on horseradish root.
2. Rose hip decoction.
3. Melissa infusion. To prepare it you will need 1 tbsp. plants and a glass of boiling water. The mixture is infused for 20 minutes. You need to take the infusion 3 times a day.
4. An infusion based on unrefined vegetable oil, garlic pulp and lemon juice.
5. Hawthorn fruits.
6. A mixture based on onions and honey.
7. An infusion based on dried buckwheat flowers.
8. Raspberries. It can be consumed whole or as a paste.
9. Fruits of red rowan.
10. Grapefruits.
11. Dried fruits.

Folk remedies for preventing atherosclerosis are not always effective.

Secondary prevention

Secondary prevention of atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities is aimed at timely treatment and prevention of complications (damage to the main, coronary and cerebral vessels, heart attack, stroke). In order to prevent the progression of the disease, you need to follow a strict diet, normalize weight, take medications (statins, fibrates), see a doctor and lead a healthy lifestyle.