Last updated: 11/24/2009

Preventive measures are the same to prevent heart attack and stroke. Any adult can reduce the likelihood of plaque formation by making such dietary and lifestyle changes, as:

• Eating healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains,...
  
  with limited meat and dairy products. Especially avoid trans-fatty-acids found in such chemical- or heat-extracted oils as margarine, some vegetable oils, and butter substitutes.
• Keeping blood pressure down by reducing the use of table salt and avoiding such salty foods, as chips, processed meats, pickles and sauerkraut, as well as prepared and packaged foods.
• Losing weight, if necessary, which helps to reduce blood pressure. Excess weight strains the whole circulatory system.
• Engaging in moderate exercise several times a week. Exercise that works up a sweat and increases heart rate is recommended. A brisk walk for 20 minutes on three days a week is thought to be sufficient for people who are less physically active.
• Controlling cholesterol through diet and certain medications.
• Having a heart examination at least once a year with an electrocardiogram. The patient should also consult the doctor about taking aspirin for clot prevention.
• Quitting smoking. Smoking encourages the build-up of plaque. Nicotine raises blood pressure, and carbon monoxide in smoke reduces the amount of oxygen circulating in the blood. Strong links have been made between smoking and heart attack or stroke.
• Keeping alcohol use moderate. Moderate alcohol use, one or two drinks a day, has been shown to help increase the levels of "good" cholesterol, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of clots forming in the blood.