According to Harvard experts, while medications like statins remain highly effective in lowering LDL and reducing plaque risk, lifestyle is just as critical. A few evidence-backed approaches include:
Mediterranean diet: Rich in olive oil, nuts, vegetables, fish, and whole grains, it reduces heart disease risk by up to 30%.
Exercise: Aerobic workouts improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, raise HDL, and help regulate weight. About 150 minutes per week is the gold standard.
Quitting smoking: Cigarette smoke damages artery walls, making them more vulnerable to plaque buildup. Quitting improves artery health and raises HDL.
Managing blood pressure and blood sugar: High blood pressure and uncontrolled diabetes accelerate plaque instability.
What sets the newer understanding apart is precision, targeting inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysfunction rather than just chasing cholesterol numbers.
About the Author
