How Can Angina Be Prevented?

You can prevent or lower your risk for angina and coronary artery disease (CAD) by making lifestyle changes and treating related conditions.

Making Lifestyle Changes

Healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent or delay angina and CAD. To make lifestyle changes, you can:

• Follow a healthy eating plan. (See "How Is Angina Treated" for more information.)
• Quit smoking, if you smoke. Avoid secondhand smoke.
• Be physically active. Check with your doctor to find out how much and what kinds of activity are safe for you.
• Learn ways to handle stress and relax.

Treating Related Conditions

You also can help prevent or delay angina and CAD by treating related conditions, such as:

• High blood cholesterol. If you have high cholesterol, follow your doctor's advice about lowering it. Take medicines as directed to lower your cholesterol.
• High blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, follow your doctor's advice about keeping your blood pressure under control. Take blood pressure medicines as directed.
• Diabetes. If you have diabetes, follow your doctor's advice about keeping your blood sugar level under control. Take medicines as directed.
• Overweight or obesity. If you're overweight or obese, talk to your doctor about how to lose weight safely.