The main steps to preventing and managing coronary artery disease are:

• Eating a balanced, heart-healthy diet. This includes more fruits and vegetables. A heart-healthy diet means eating less red meat and processed food (like potato chips, sugared cereals, and candy).
• Exercising regularly (such as walking).
• Quitting smoking, if you smoke.
• Learning to manage stress with calming techniques and mindfulness.
• Losing weight if recommended by your healthcare provider.
• Lowering high cholesterol by limiting fat intake, especially saturated fats.
• Maintaining a balance between “good” HDL and “bad” LDL cholesterol. 

The Prevention section provides easy-to-follow steps for living a heart-healthy lifestyle.

Last Updated February 2023