Heart Disease Treatment

The goal of heart disease treatments may include:

• Lower the risk of blood clots from forming which can lead to heart attack
• Prevent further complications from coronary heart disease
• Reduce risk factors that contribute to the build-up of plaque in arteries
• Relieve other symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue  

Heart disease treatments may include:

• Medical therapy
  • Medications specific for heart disease
  • Weight reduction
  • Smoking cessation
  • Exercise program        
• Intervention
  • Diagnostic angiograms
  • Coronary balloon and stent procedures to open plaque-clogged arteries
  • Surgical repair, open heart surgery or bypass surgery to increase blood flow to the heart
• Maintenance
  • Cardiac rehabilitation
  • Follow up visits to your doctor
  • Schedule routine diagnostic testing to monitor your heart disease

Heart disease treatments vary based on the severity of your disease. Someone who is high risk for developing coronary heart disease will have a different treatment plan than someone who has already suffered a heart attack.

Active participation in your treatment is essential to your health and wellness. The staff of the heart services department encourages you to be an active participant in your heart disease treatment. Please ask questions about anything you do not fully understand. It is essential that you answer as honestly and completely any questions your health care team asks of you so that you receive the best treatment plan possible.