The risk of atherosclerosis can be reduced by lifestyle changes and, where risk is high, by medical treatment.Lifestyle changes target the modifiable risk factors: stopping smoking, taking regular exercise, eating a balanced diet low in saturated fat and salt, and keeping a healthy body mass.Antihypertensives lower blood pressure, reducing damage to the endothelium. They include:1. diuretics, which increase the volume of urine produced, lowering blood volume
2. beta blockers, which reduce the heart rate and the force of contraction
3. ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers, which cause arterioles to widen.Side effects can include dizziness, tiredness and an irregular heartbeat.Statins lower blood cholesterol by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver that makes cholesterol, so LDL levels fall. Side effects can include muscle aches and, rarely, liver damage.Anticoagulants, such as warfarin and heparin, reduce the ability of the blood to clot. Platelet inhibitors, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, make platelets less sticky. Both reduce the risk of a thrombosis blocking an artery. The main risk is excessive bleeding if the patient is injured.A doctor weighs the benefit of each drug against its risks for the individual patient. Drugs do not remove the need for lifestyle changes.
2. beta blockers, which reduce the heart rate and the force of contraction
3. ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers, which cause arterioles to widen.Side effects can include dizziness, tiredness and an irregular heartbeat.Statins lower blood cholesterol by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver that makes cholesterol, so LDL levels fall. Side effects can include muscle aches and, rarely, liver damage.Anticoagulants, such as warfarin and heparin, reduce the ability of the blood to clot. Platelet inhibitors, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, make platelets less sticky. Both reduce the risk of a thrombosis blocking an artery. The main risk is excessive bleeding if the patient is injured.A doctor weighs the benefit of each drug against its risks for the individual patient. Drugs do not remove the need for lifestyle changes.