To decrease the risk of atherosclerosis, which lifestyle change should the nurse encourage?

To decrease the risk of atherosclerosis, which lifestyle change should the nurse encourage?

• A. Finish a low-cholesterol diet only.
• B. Increase his activity level.
• C. Maintain a high-stress lifestyle.
• D. Avoid focusing on weight.

Answer: (B)

Regular physical activity is the most effective lifestyle change for lowering atherosclerosis risk because it improves several interconnected heart-health factors at once. Exercise helps raise HDL cholesterol and can modestly reduce triglycerides, lowers blood pressure, improves insulin sensitivity, and aids in weight management. It also reduces systemic inflammation and improves endothelial function, which together slows the development of arterial plaque. A low-cholesterol diet alone can help, but adding regular activity provides greater overall benefit. Maintaining a high-stress lifestyle tends to worsen risk through ongoing inflammation and elevated blood pressure. Focusing on weight is important for cardiovascular health, and avoiding attention to weight isn’t a helpful strategy.

Regular physical activity is the most effective lifestyle change for lowering atherosclerosis risk because it improves several interconnected heart-health factors at once. Exercise helps raise HDL cholesterol and can modestly reduce triglycerides, lowers blood pressure, improves insulin sensitivity, and aids in weight management. It also reduces systemic inflammation and improves endothelial function, which together slows the development of arterial plaque.

A low-cholesterol diet alone can help, but adding regular activity provides greater overall benefit. Maintaining a high-stress lifestyle tends to worsen risk through ongoing inflammation and elevated blood pressure. Focusing on weight is important for cardiovascular health, and avoiding attention to weight isn’t a helpful strategy.