Final answer:
Lowering cholesterol is the primary target in preventing CHD. Leading a healthy lifestyle, taking statins, and eating a diet low in saturated and trans fats can aid in cholesterol management. Plant fiber intake also contributes positively to coronary health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary target in preventing Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is to lower the levels of cholesterol in the blood. Lifestyle factors, such as not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise can aid in this effort. Additionally, medications like statins are prescribed to reduce cholesterol levels by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for cholesterol synthesis in the liver. Important dietary changes include reducing saturated and trans fats, which can increase cholesterol levels, and incorporating unsaturated fats which can improve the LDL:HDL cholesterol ratio.
To prevent or manage CHD, one must also control other risk factors whenever possible, such as managing diabetes and controlling blood lipid levels through diet. Moreover, the metabolism of plant fibers by gut microflora plays a role in preventing impaired lipid metabolism, highlighting the importance of a diet rich in dietary fiber.