Aortic Atherosclerosis (Older Lesion)

Cholesterol is essential to the human body because it is a key component of cellular membranes. However, too much cholesterol in the blood appears to enable the substance to become inappropriately deposited on the walls of the arteries, contributing to atherosclerosis. Consequently, limiting dietary intake of cholesterol is generally cited as one of the best ways to slow the progression of atherosclerosis. Avoiding tobacco smoke, increasing physical activity, losing weight, and maintaining healthy blood pressure are other methods that individuals concerned about atherosclerosis can take to combat the disease. For those who are unable to sufficiently reduce their risk for atherosclerosis via dietary and lifestyle changes, a number of medications are available that can slow the disease and reduce the chances that heart attack, stroke, or another medical emergency related to the disease will occur.