Treatments

There are many different treatments for heart disease based on the specific disease. No treatment will be the same for every person. Sometimes multiple treatment types are necessary. Some conditions may require surgical treatments such as a coronary stent in which a tube is placed in the arteries of the heart to keep open for proper blood flow. Another surgical procedure is known as an angioplasty which is a procedure that involves inflating a balloon inside an artery and sometimes using a stent to hold the artery open. A more invasive procedure may be necessary such as coronary bypass surgery. This is a surgery that restores blood flow to the heart by using a healthy artery or vein to bypass a blocked artery thereby restoring proper blood flow. Surgical repair of damaged valves may also be necessary.

In addition to surgical treatments, some conditions may also require medications to treat heart disease related conditions or conditions that lead to heart disease. Some of these medications include: Statins which decrease liver production of harmful cholesterol. Some examples of statins are Atorvastatin and Simvastatin. Blood thinners may also be used which help prevent clots from forming or dissolves existing clots. Some examples of blood thinners include Aspirin and Clopidogrel. Beta blockers are medications that will slow the heart rate and decreases blood pressure. Some examples of beta blockers include Atenolol and Metoprolol. There are also certain heart medications that reduce chest pain or pressure caused by blockages in the arteries. Some examples include Nitroglycerin and Isosorbide. Calcium channel blockers will relax blood vessels allowing blood to flow easier. One example of a calcium channel blocker is Amlodipine.

Self-Care treatments may be necessary in all cases in conjunction with the other treatments or as part of a plan to decrease the risk factors for heart related diseases. These treatments include physical exercise which studies have proven that aerobic activity of 20-30 minutes five days a week improves cardiovascular health. Weight loss can also improve cardiovascular health to reduce risks and complications related to obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Following a low fat diet by reducing intake of high fat foods such as fried foods, high fat dairy (cheese and ice cream), and red meat. Some dietary requirements for health related diseases may also be following a low sodium diet. Following a low sodium diet helps to control high blood pressure and excess fluid. It may also make breathing easier if you have heart failure. The recommended daily allowance of sodium is less than 1500 milligrams of sodium each day. You can reach that goal by avoiding sauces, pickled items, canned foods, gravies and even sandwich meat. Choosing fresh fruits and vegetables is best and using natural flavor additives like lemon, garlic and herbs.

No treatment will be the same in every individual. Some treatments may require the use of all three treatments combined a surgical procedure with a medication regimen and suggested self care treatment plans.