Treatment FAQ

what is coronary artery disease treatment

by Merle Zulauf Sr. Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Coronary angioplasty and stent placement.
A tiny balloon is inflated to help widen the blocked artery and improve blood flow. A small wire mesh tube (stent) may be placed in the artery during angioplasty. The stent helps keep the artery open. It lowers the risk of the artery narrowing again.
May 25, 2022

Medication

Procedures

Self-care

Nutrition

See more

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Can coronary artery disease be cured?

Coronary heart disease cannot be cured but treatment can help manage the symptoms and reduce the chances of problems such as heart attacks. Treatment can include: lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and stopping smoking.

Can coronary artery disease be treated without surgery?

Through angioplasty, our cardiologists are able to treat patients with blocked or clogged coronary arteries quickly without surgery. During the procedure, a cardiologist threads a balloon-tipped catheter to the site of the narrowed or blocked artery and then inflates the balloon to open the vessel.

How long can you live with coronary artery disease?

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is treatable, but there is no cure. This means that once diagnosed with CAD, you have to learn to live with it for the rest of your life. By lowering your risk factors and losing your fears, you can live a full life despite CAD.

What are 3 treatments for heart disease?

In general, treatment for heart disease usually includes:Lifestyle changes. ... Medications. ... Medical procedures or surgery.

Diagnosis

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Alternative Medicine

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Kabir Sethi
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is the primary treatment option that can be combined with medications and procedures.
Medication

Cholesterol lowering drugs: To reduce blood cholesterol levels. The range of medications may include statins, niacin, fibrates and bile acid sequestrants.

Atorvastatin . Fluvastatin . Niacin . Fenofibrate . Gemfibrozil . Cholestyramine . Colesevelam


Anticoagulants: To reduce thickness of blood and prevent blood clots. Aspirin may also be prescribed to prevent blood clots.

Warfarin . Heparin


Beta blockers: To reduce blood pressure and heart rate.

Acebutolol . Atenolol


Nitrates: Controls chest pain by temporarily dilating arteries and allowing for better blood flow.

Nitroglycerin


Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: To reduce blood pressure.

Enalapril . Lisinopril


Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): To reduce blood pressure.

Irbesartan . Losartan

Procedures

Angioplasty and stent placement: The narrowed or blocked artery is opened using a thin tube. A stent is left in the artery to keep it open. Usually recommended if medications does not help improve the symptoms.

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG): Vein or artery from other parts of the body (usually taken from thigh, arm or mammary vein) is used to bypass a blocked or narrowed artery.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Quit smoking and alcohol.
  • Monitor blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
  • Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
  • Manage stress.
  • Maintain the recommended weight.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Fat-free or low-Fat foods: e.g. low-Fat milk
  • Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids: e.g. salmon, tuna, trout
  • Fruits such as apples, bananas, oranges, pears, prunes
  • Legumes like kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas, lima beans
  • Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, carrots.
  • Whole grains: e.g. oatmeal, brown rice, corn tortillas
  • Foods containing mono- and polyunsaturated fats: e.g. avocados, corn, sunflower, olive oils, walnuts, peanut butter, tofu

Foods to avoid:

  • Foods rich in saturated fat and trans fat like palm and coconut oils, red meat

Specialist to consult

Cardiologist
Specializes in the diagnosis and management heart related disorders.

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • To diagnose coronary artery disease, a health care provider will examine you. You'll likely be asked questions about your medical history and any symptoms. Blood tests are usually done to check your overall health.
See more on mayoclinic.org

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