It takes three to four years of not smoking to reduce risk to that of someone who's never smoked. Control hypertension by weight reduction, increased exercise, decreased salt intake, and compliance with medication regimen. Decrease dietary fat intake, especially animal fat and saturated fats, to no more than 30 percent of daily calories. If overweight, lose dangerous extra pounds. Aim for desirable weights shown in height-weight tables.
Increase exercise gradually.
Control diabetes to the extent possible through medication and weight reduction. Compiled from listed references .