Vessels are made more prone to disease by stresses which reduce the ability to cope with the toxic oxidants to cholesterol-filled cell release. The main stresses are rampant in diabetes and smoking. cigarette smoke is full of hydrocarbons, any number of which impair the natural defence mechanisms of toxins.
treatment of heart disease is thus aimed first at prevention. Stopping smoking is the most important factor. Good blood pressure control, and good diabetic control, losing weight and reducing cholesterol all significantly reduce risk.
