Primary & Secondary Coronary Artery Disease Prevention

According to the National Vital Statistics Report, as of 2004, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Primary and secondary artery disease causes an increase in blood pressure and is a leading cause of heart failure. There are several ways to prevent primary and secondary artery disease.

Aspirin

• Take 325 mg of aspirin a day to help reduce primary and secondary artery disease. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, patients reduced their chances of arterial disease by 44 percent when taking aspirin on a daily basis. The anti-inflammatory properties of aspirin help reduce the likelihood of platelet thrombosis, also called a blood clot.

Exercise and Diet

• Partake in regular exercise to reduce the chances of primary and secondary artery disease. Exercise five days a week for 30-minute session to help reduce fat levels and lower cholesterol. Eat a diet that is well balanced with several servings of leafy vegetables and fruits. Quitting smoking, partaking in a low-fat, vegetarian diet and stress management are all effective ways for lowering the chance of thrombosis.

Alcohol Consumption

• Alcohol consumption should be done in moderation. Partaking in a small amount of alcohol can help lower the level of thrombosis by creating an antiplatelet effect, lowering the possibility of clots. Although it was once thought that only red wine had this benefit, a recent study at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Oakland California suggests that most alcohol provides this benefit.