Primary prevention Coronary artery disease
Primary Prevention of Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death in the United States, accounting for one out of every four deaths. Primary prevention of CAD involves making lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of developing CAD and reduces the severity of its consequences.
Primary prevention strategies are designed to reduce the risk of developing CAD through lifestyle modification. Primary prevention decreases the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. Common lifestyle changes that can help prevent CAD include:
- Eating a heart-healthy diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol.
- Maintaining a healthy body weight.
- Exercising regularly.
- Quitting smoking.
- Limiting alcohol consumption.
- Managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels.
It is important to make changes to your lifestyle early in life and to maintain those changes for long-term benefits. Research has shown that lifestyle changes made early can reduce the risk of developing CAD. Primary prevention is essential to prevent the development of a serious medical condition. It may also reduce the severity of a potential medical emergency.
If you are at risk for CAD, talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk. Your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes, such as increasing physical activity or losing weight; taking medication to reduce your risk; or having tests to check for signs of CAD. Your doctor may also suggest ways to reduce your stress. These strategies can all help you reduce your risk of developing CAD.
