How is atherosclerosis treated?

The goals of treatment are to reduce the symptoms and prevent the complications of atherosclerosis. Your doctor will recommend which treatments are best for you after reviewing your symptoms, your risk factors, and the results of your physical exam and any lab tests. Treatment can include:

Lifestyle changes
Medicines
Special procedures and surgery

Lifestyle Changes

Most people with atherosclerosis should make certain, long-term lifestyle changes:

Eat a healthy diet.

A low-saturated fat, low-cholesterol diet (TLC diet)

A diet lower in salt, total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol and higher in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products (DASH Eating Plan)

If you smoke or use tobacco, quit.
Physical activity, as directed by your doctor.
Lose weight, if you are overweight or obese.

Medicines

To help slow or reverse atherosclerosis, you may need to take medicines as directed by your doctor to:

Lower your cholesterol
Lower your read more