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How can I Lower My Risk Factors?
Vascular disease is a major health problem in the United States. The more you know about vascular disease and what it is caused by, the better equipped you are to address the problem and work to lower your chances of getting it.
The best way to lower your risk of developing vascular disease is to:
- Stop smoking! Smoking is a primary risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. Chemicals in tobacco decrease blood circulation and injure your artery walls.
- If you have Diabetes Mellitus, keep your blood sugar under good control.
- Exercise regularly. Please discuss any new or increased exercise program with your doctor prior to initiating. Exercise puts more oxygen in your blood and lowers high blood pressure. By working your muscles it helps to improve circulation.
- Maintain a healthy diet. Reduce your intake of fatty foods.
- Lower blood cholesterol levels, if elevated, with diet or medication.
- Maintain an ideal body weight. Extra weight stores fat and increases blood pressure.
- Achieve and maintain a well-controlled blood pressure.
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Your doctor can perform simple tests to identify if you have any of these risk factors. If you are concerned that any of these risk factors apply to you, discuss them with your doctor.
Common Vascular Disorders
Symptoms of Vascular Disease
Risk Factors
Risk Assessment
How Can I Lower My Risk Factors?
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