What is a primary prevention strategy for coronary artery disease?

A primary prevention strategy for coronary artery disease focuses on reducing risk factors before the disease develops. Smoking cessation is a critical component of this preventive approach. Tobacco smoke contains harmful substances that can damage blood vessels, reduce oxygen in the blood, and increase the likelihood of atherosclerosis, which is a precursor to coronary artery disease.

By quitting smoking, individuals can significantly lower their risk of developing coronary artery disease and other cardiovascular issues. This is supported by numerous studies that show those who stop smoking eventually reap substantial health benefits, including improved heart health and reduced risk of heart attack and stroke.

While regular exercise is also a beneficial lifestyle change for promoting cardiovascular health, it is not as direct a prevention strategy as smoking cessation in terms of immediately reducing a fundamental risk factor. Weight gain and a high-sodium diet are associated with increased risk for coronary artery disease, as these factors can lead to obesity and hypertension, respectively, thus they do not serve as primary prevention strategies.