Prevention

To prevent or slow the progression of carotid artery disease, consider these suggestions:

• Don't smoke. Within a few years of quitting, a former smoker's risk of stroke is similar to a nonsmoker's.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight contributes to other risk factors, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and sleep apnea.
• Limit cholesterol and fat. Cutting back on saturated fat, in particular, may reduce the buildup of plaques in your arteries.
• Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. They contain nutrients such as potassium, folate and antioxidants, which may protect against a TIA or stroke.
• Limit salt. Excess salt (sodium) may increase blood pressure in people who are sensitive to sodium. Experts recommend that healthy adults eat less than 1,500 milligrams of sodium a day.
• Exercise regularly. Exercise can lower your blood pressure, increase your level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol — the "good" cholesterol — and improve the overall health of your blood vessels and heart. It also helps you lose weight, control diabetes and reduce stress.
• Limit alcohol.
• Control chronic conditions. Managing conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure helps protect your arteries.