Smoking may increase atherosclerosis as well. The nicotine in cigarettes causes constriction in blood vessels causing increase blood pressure and causing the heart to work harder. Also nicotine may constrict coronary arteries and reduce blood flow to the heart muscle. There are many ways to stop smoking. Usually it is best to quit completely either by yourself or with the help of support groups, along with the use of nicotine gum or a nicotine patch.
Cholesterol is transported in the blood by lipoproteins.
Cholesterol levels can be lowered by eating a diet low in meat, eggs and dairy products. However, most of the cholesterol in the blood is produced in the liver. If a low fat diet does not sufficiently reduce your cholesterol, then your physician can prescribe medications for this. HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors decrease cholesterol synthesis. These medications include lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin and atorvastatin.