Coronary artery disease is an old problem that continues to garner the attention of researchers and physicians because of the increasing numbers of people who are experiencing the condition. Since 2000, many changes have been made in recommendations for lifestyle habits, medications or interventional therapies. These changes have resulted in significant improvements in the lives of those affected. Physicians are able to offer individualized plans of action that reduce the risk of further cardiovascular issues.
Medications
Medications may be used to help the heart work more effectively and supply more oxygen to the heart muscle. It is important that you know the name of the medications you are taking, why you are taking them, and how often and at what times of the day you take them. Keep a list with you so that you can review your medications with your physician or have them available in case of an emergency. According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the more common medications that are used are cholesterol-lowering medications, aspirin, beta blockers to control blood pressure, calcium channel blockers to increase blood flow to the heart, and nitroglycerin to open the blood vessels and provide more oxygen to the heart muscle.
Surgery/Invasive Procedures
Coronary bypass surgery is one option that you and your physician may consider if your coronary arteries have too much blockage and medications are not able to improve circulation to the heart muscle. According to the American Heart Association, coronary bypass surgery will increase blood flow to the heart muscle and relieve chest pain. These factors reduce the risk that you may suffer from a heart attack. This surgery is done by grafting a vein that is taken from your leg or arm to bypass the blocked area of the artery on the heart muscle. Physicians can do up to four coronary bypass grafts to improve circulation. Another surgical option is the percutaneous coronary intervention. This is a procedure in which either balloon angioplasty can be performed or stents can be inserted. According to the New England Journal of Medicine paper "Percutaneous Coronary Intervention versus Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting for Severe Coronary Artery Disease," researchers studied the results of 1,800 patients who underwent either procedure and found that the bypass procedure resulted in lower rates of major cardiac or cerebrovascular accidents after one year. Other surgical procedures that may be considered are atherectomy, radiation brachytherapy or transmyocardial laser revascularization.
Lifestyle Changes
According to Mayo Clinic physicians, healthy lifestyle choices are one of the best long-term treatments you can adopt to make a significant difference in your coronary artery disease. Either alone or in combination with medications, you can prevent or slow the progression of the disease. Healthy lifestyle choices include regular exercise, smoking cessation and a heart-healthy diet. Nutritional counselors advise patients to reduce salt, lose weight, manage stress, reduce alcohol consumption and reduce their intake of red meat.
Rehabilitation
According to the Cleveland Clinic, cardiac rehabilitation may provide the opportunity you need to begin an exercise program, learn about heart disease and develop strategies to change your lifestyle to prevent further progression of the disease. The American Heart Association has lists of cardiac rehabilitation programs available in your area, or you may contact a local hospital to find a program near you.
