Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis And The Role Of Diet

Coronary artery atherosclerosis, whether or not it has progressed to coronary heart disease, indicates that cholesterol has already begun to accumulate in the blood vessels. This makes lifestyle choices, especially diet, particularly important. First and foremost, individuals should avoid consuming foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol. This includes organ meats such as liver and intestines, which are popular among many people but should be limited to prevent further plaque buildup.

Cholesterol-Rich Foods To Moderate

High-cholesterol foods like egg yolks, duck egg yolks, and fish roe should also be consumed in moderation. While these foods do provide essential nutrients, excessive intake can contribute to worsening atherosclerosis. It's not necessary to eliminate them completely from the diet, but portion control and frequency of consumption should be carefully managed.

Other Key Lifestyle Factors

Besides diet, other health indicators must be closely monitored. High blood pressure significantly accelerates the atherosclerotic process, so maintaining healthy blood pressure levels is crucial. Similarly, elevated blood sugar levels can worsen arterial damage, making glucose control another vital component in managing the condition. Managing total caloric intake and reducing sodium consumption also play a major role in supporting cardiovascular health.

Managing Elevated Triglyceride Levels

If triglyceride levels are found to be high during medical evaluations, comprehensive lipid management becomes even more essential. Avoiding overly greasy or fatty meals is strongly advised. In many cases, when atherosclerosis is well-established and plaque buildup is significant, lipid-lowering therapy may be necessary.

Lipid-Lowering Therapy: A Proactive Approach

Such therapy aims to bring low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels down to below 1.8 mmol/L, which is considered a safer range for those with existing arterial plaque. If plaque is detected in the coronary arteries, stricter control of cholesterol levels is highly recommended to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.

Medication Considerations

In the early stages of treatment, antiplatelet medications may also be prescribed to reduce the risk of clot formation. However, if plaque size is small and cholesterol levels are well-controlled, long-term use of antiplatelet drugs may not be necessary. On the other hand, lipid-lowering medications typically require lifelong adherence to maintain vascular health and prevent disease progression.