Heart disease includes a variety of different conditions affecting the heart. The leading type of heart disease is coronary artery disease, in which the arteries in the heart are blocked and blood flow is restricted. Treatment for cardiac disease often involves invasive surgeries including coronary bypass, valve repair or implanting defibrillators. Though surgery is often a last resort for treating heart disease, it is not the only treatment method. Lifestyle changes involving diet, exercise and other at-home treatment methods often eliminate symptoms and stop the disease process. The Mayo Clinic warns invasive medical devices and surgeries are required if the condition is serious.
Excercise
Exercise is critical to keep the body healthy and conditioned, as well as reduce the heart's workload, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Exercise reduces risk factors associated with heart disease such as obesity, diabetes and elevated cholesterol. Speaking with a medical professional about the appropriate type of exercise program is suggested. Participate in physical activity for 30 to 60 minutes a day if your weight is normal, suggests the University of Maryland Medical Center. A person who is overweight should participate in 60 to 90 minutes of activity daily, recommends the medical center.
Diet
Consume a healthy diet including several servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Avoid fatty or high cholesterol foods such as butters, gravies or creams. Low-sodium diets decrease water retention in the body and decrease blood pressure. The McKinley Health Center at the University of Illinois suggests cooking from scratch to avoid sodium rich processed foods. Remove the salt shaker form the table and season food with herbs and spices.
Drinking moderate amounts of alcohol may reduce a person's risk of heart problems; still, drinking large amounts is not beneficial. Men should consume no more than two drinks a day and women one drink. Smoking and tobacco use should be avoided. Nicotine, a chemical found in cigarettes and other tobacco products, narrows and weakens blood vessels causing increased blood pressure and damage to the circulatory system.
Medications
A variety of medications are prescribed to decrease symptoms of heart disease. Beta blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme, or ACE, inhibitors are vaso dilators which open narrow, blocked arteries. The medications decrease the heart's workload, decrease blood pressure and improve overall heart function. Drugs in falling in the digitalis glycosides classification improve the strength and efficiency of the heart and increased blood circulation. Increased circulation reduces swelling, a common side effect of heart failure. Diuretics, or water pills, are commonly prescribed with both digitalis and ACE inhibitors, according to Drugs.com. A diuretic reduces water retention in the body, and increased urination. Bumetanide and furosemide are two common diuretics prescribed for heart patients. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises to never abruptly stop taking any cardiac medications. Stopping the drugs can lead to cardiac arrest.
