Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a chronic condition in which the arteries harden and narrow. If left untreated, it can lead to a heart attack. The good news is that you can take steps to control CAD or slow how fast it develops. These self-care steps can help you live longer:

• Eat heart-healthy food. Eat a low-fat diet with whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Limit red meat, saturated fat and trans fat.
• Exercise regularly. Exercise can help slow CAD. Get your physician’s approval before you start an exercise program.
• Keep cholesterol low. Try to keep your level of LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol low. For people with CAD, this means an LDL level of 100 mg/dl or lower.
• Manage diabetes. People with diabetes have a high risk for CAD and other types of heart disease. Keep your blood sugar under control. Take your medications, eat healthy and exercise.
• Control high blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, take blood pressure medications as your physician directs.
• Keep a healthy weight. Being overweight increases your risk for CAD. Eat fewer calories and increase your physical activity.

Make Healthy Changes
If you smoke, quit. Smoking is a major cause of CAD. It can also increase your risk of dying of heart disease. You should also try to manage stress, depression and anger. Talk with your physician or see a mental health professional if you need help with these types of emotions.

Medications Matter
Be sure to fill your prescriptions far enough in advance so that you will not run out of medicine. This is especially important if you take medications for high blood pressure or a heart condition. Talk with your physician or pharmacist if you have questions about your medicines.

9 Ways to Cut Your Heart Attack Risk
If you have coronary artery disease (CAD), you are at higher risk for heart attack. To cut your risk, try these tips:

• Do not smoke.
• Eat less saturated fat.
• Manage your stress.
• Take your medications as your physician prescribes.
• Keep your blood pressure under control.
• Manage your cholesterol levels.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Get regular exercise.
• If you drink alcohol, do so moderately. This means no more than one drink a day for women or two drinks a day for men.