What lifestyle change should be prioritized for a patient with a 5.8% risk of cardiovascular disease before starting medication?

For a patient with a 5.8% risk of cardiovascular disease, the most critical lifestyle change to prioritize is smoking cessation. Smoking is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and directly impacts overall heart health. Quitting smoking can lead to substantial improvements in cardiovascular health and significantly lower the risk of heart-related conditions.

While increased exercise, higher dietary fiber intake, and weight loss are also important components of a heart-healthy lifestyle, they may not provide the same immediate and impactful benefits as stopping smoking. Smoking cessation also encourages other positive lifestyle changes, making it a foundational step in managing cardiovascular health. Thus, addressing smoking as a top priority can create a ripple effect, improving adherence to other healthy behaviors as well.