Treatment FAQ

what is treatment for coronary heart disease

by Maritza Johnston Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Coronary angioplasty and stent placement.
It may also be called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The heart doctor (cardiologist) guides a thin, flexible tube (catheter) to the narrowed part of the heart artery. A tiny balloon is inflated to help widen the blocked artery and improve blood flow.
May 25, 2022

Medication

Procedures

Self-care

Nutrition

See more

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How is coronary heart disease treated?

CHD can be managed effectively with a combination of lifestyle changes, medicine and, in some cases, surgery. With the right treatment, the symptoms of CHD can be reduced and the functioning of the heart improved.

What are 3 treatments for heart disease?

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

Can coronary heart disease 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. medicines.

What is the first step in treatment of coronary heart diseases?

Follow your treatment plan to reduce your risk of problems that can result from coronary artery disease, like heart attack and stroke. The first step in treating coronary artery disease is to reduce your risk factors. This involves making changes in your lifestyle. Don't smoke.

How long do you live with coronary heart disease?

Following the onset of heart disease, women can expect to live 7.9 years and men can expect to live 6.7 years, according to the Health and Retirement Survey study. (The survey defined “heart disease” as coronary artery disease, angina, congestive heart failure, or other heart problems.)

How is coronary heart disease diagnosed?

The GP or practice nurse can carry out the blood test. A sample will be taken either using a needle and a syringe or by pricking your finger. The GP will also ask about your lifestyle, how much exercise you do and whether you smoke. All these factors will be considered as part of the diagnosis.

What happens if you don't treat coronary heart disease?

Living with coronary heart disease If left untreated, you could have a heart attack or get arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats). CHD can lead to death. Proper diagnosis and treatment allows you to correct it with lifestyle changes and manage it with medicine or surgery.

What are the main causes of coronary heart disease?

Smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease. ... High blood pressure. High blood pressure (hypertension) puts a strain on your heart and can lead to CHD. ... High cholesterol. ... High lipoprotein (a) ... Lack of regular exercise. ... Diabetes. ... Thrombosis.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

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.

Alternative Medicine

Preparing For Your Appointment

  • Treatment for coronary artery disease usually involves lifestyle changes such as not smoking, eating healthy and exercising more. Sometimes, medications and procedures are needed.
See more on mayoclinic.org

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