Treatments For Heart Disease

Controllable risk factors for heart disease include weight, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and smoking habits. Managing these risk factors can significantly decrease your chances of heart disease and heart attack. Heart attack is most commonly a result of heart disease. Remember, the likelihood of you having a heart attack increases if you are considered ‘high risk’ or have already had a heart attack.

Lifestyle Changes

Even if you already suffer from heart disease, you can lower your risk of heart attack. Lifestyle changes are the easiest method. Switching to a heart healthy diet can help prevent both strokes and heart attacks; this includes foods rich in nutrients, fiber, and healthy fats. Salmon, oatmeal, and certain nuts are all great for your heart. You may be surprised to learn that dark chocolate and red wine can also help your cardiovascular health! Getting physical exercise, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight are all ways to keep your risk low.

Treating Related Conditions

Several conditions raise the risk of heart disease, and therefore your risk of heart attack. Diabetes is a condition where your body does not produce or maintain healthy sugar levels in the blood. There are medications available, but staying active and maintaining a healthy diet can help manage diabetes. Your doctor may prescribe medication for high cholesterol and high blood pressure. In extreme cases, your doctor may recommend surgery that help unblock clogged arteries.

Immediate Treatment

The minute you start to experience symptoms of a heart attack, which include pain or tightness in the chest, discomfort in the upper body and shortness of breath, you should immediately call 9-1-1. Medical professionals can begin to diagnose and treat you before you even reach the hospital. Time is of the essence, and the sooner you begin treatment the more likely it is your coronary tissue will be saved. These professionals can begin several treatments once heart attack is suspected. Aspirin can thin the blood and prevent the blood from clotting further. They can administer Nitroglycerin to improve blood flow, and begin oxygen therapy. Clot busters, also known as Thrombolytic medicines, can dissolve clots which are blocking an artery.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention is a procedure that opens blocked coronary arteries. The physician feeds a thin, flexible tube with a balloon on the end through a blood vessel, all the way to the blocked or narrowed artery. The balloon is then inflated to push the plaque and clot against the artery wall. This helps restore blood flow. The doctor can also insert a small mesh tube (a stent) in the artery to keep the vessel open. This can prevent blockages for months or even years after the procedure.

While some risk factors for heart attacks are uncontrollable, there are preventative screening measures and treatment. Make sure your insurance covers preventative screenings and medications that can decrease your risk, such as medication for high blood pressure.

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