And each year, nearly 600,000 people die of coronary artery disease, making it the nation's number 1 killer. Fortunately, heart disease claims fewer and fewer lives each year, thanks to advances in medical treatment of heart disease and growing public awareness of the benefits of exercise and good nutrition. Prevention is of utmost importance. To control high blood pressure, follow your doctor's advice. If you smoke, quit.
Nicotine constricts blood flow and decreases oxygen supply to the heart.
Be aware of the signs and symptoms for diabetes, which is associated with hardening of the arteries. Follow your doctor's advice if you have diabetes. Maintain a normal body weight. Follow a diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol. High-saturated fat, high cholesterol diets contribute to the fatty sludge that collects inside artery walls.