The biggest lifestyle change that can impact atherosclerosis is quitting smoking[1]. Getting aerobic exercise is also extremely important. To reduce atherosclerotic risk, people should ideally perform at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, or a combination of the two each week.[2] A rule of thumb to measure intensity is the talk test: moderate aerobic activity makes it hard to sing but not to talk, whereas it’s hard to say more than a few words at a time during vigorous aerobic exercise.
Are there any other treatments for atherosclerosis?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Quitting smoking and engaging in regular aerobic exercise are crucial lifestyle changes that can significantly affect atherosclerosis. Current guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity each week.