Medications can be used to lower high blood pressure and decrease high blood cholesterol. They can also reduce the strain on the heart, reduce the possibility of blood clots and prevent or delay the need for certain procedures or surgery.
When medications aren’t effective enough, a non-surgical procedure called angioplasty, (PCI – Percutaneous coronary intervention) which presses plaque deposits against the inside walls of affected arteries, may be used. This allows blood to flow more freely so that the heart can work better. Sometimes a device (stent) is placed inside the artery so it will stay open.
Lifestyle changes are important for returning to good health and lowering the chances of returning symptoms or complications. These may include:
- Heart-healthy diet
- Physical activity as advised by your doctor
- Stopping smoking and limiting alcohol
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Reducing and managing stress
Treatment may not make coronary artery disease go away completely, but the team of doctors at The Heart Center at Mercy Medical Center can use a combination of treatments to help improve your health and lifestyle.