Are You at Risk for Vascular Disease?

September 2005

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Are You at Risk for Vascular Disease?

Posted: Sept. 1, 2005

In order to prevent vascular disease, consider whether or not you belong to any risk groups. Risk factors are cumulative - the more you have, the greater the risk.

To minimize the risk:

Quit smoking. Stopping smoking has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiac problems by 50 percent after only one year.
Eat a varied and healthy diet including lots of vegetables, products that are high in fiber and low in fat. Avoid saturated fats (animal fat) in preference to fish and vegetable oils.
Lose weight if you are overweight.
Exercise more.
If you suffer from diabetes Type 1or Type 2 or high blood pressure, ensure that treatment for these conditions is maintained and is optimal.

Source: Society of Interventional Radiology

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