Heart disease is generally treated to control the symptoms and slow or stop the progression of the disease. Which type of treatment prescribed is based on several factors, including the symptoms, diagnostic testing, and a physical exam. If the blockage is less than 70 percent and the blood flow is not severely limited, the first line of treatment may be medication. There are many other types of the conservative heart disease treatment before anything else.
Before even beginning medication, we may suggest the conservative heart disease treatment such as lifestyle changes. If the patient smokes, giving up smoking may reduce cardiovascular events by as much as 50 percent. Another possibility is physical endurance training. Tests have shown that this reduces mortality from heart disease by 30 percent. Dietary changes can further reduce the risks of having a cardiovascular event. These conservative heart disease treatment must be implemented correctly in order for them to be effective.
During a consultation with our heart specialist, you may have a physical exam and other tests to determine the condition of your heart. If medications are prescribed, they may help your heart work more efficiently to receive oxygen-rich blood from your lungs. There are several possible medications, but our specialist will prescribe the ones that are best for you and your heart problem.
We will make sure you know the names of your medications and what they are for, along with the dosage and number of times they should be taken. We recommend that you keep a list of the names and dosages of your medications and bring them whenever you have a visit to our office.
Some of the drugs that are prescribed for heart disease include the following:
• Medications that modify cholesterol may decrease the material that is deposited in the coronary arteries. There is a wide range of cholesterol-modifying medications.
• Aspirin may be prescribed to be taken daily because it thins the blood and reduces its tendency to clot. This may help prevent obstruction in the coronary arteries. If you have already had a heart attack, aspirin may help prevent future attacks.
• Beta-blockers slow the heart rate and decrease blood pressure. This decreases the heart’s need for oxygen. Beta-blockers also reduce the risk of a second heart attack.
• Nitroglycerin may control chest pain by temporarily dilating the coronary arteries and reducing the heart’s demand for blood. It may also reduce the amount of work the heart needs to do.
Cholesterol and high blood pressure are two contributing factors of heart disease. Some dietary supplements may help reduce these factors, including:
• Artichoke
• Barley
• Cocoa
• Garlic
• Oat Bran
Lifestyle changes that include regular exercise and dietary factors are the first steps to guard against heart disease. The most important is to quit smoking if you still smoke. After that, make sure you are a healthy weight. Excess weight makes the heart work harder and puts unwanted pressure on the arteries. Relaxing is another one of the beginning steps to reduce the risk of heart disease. Stress is a major factor in coronary heart disease, which is why it is so important to set aside some time each day to relax. With a little care and a regular consultation with our heart specialist, you may be able to avoid serious heart issues.
If you are interested in learning more about conservative heart disease treatments, the specialists at Cardiac Associates of North Jersey are here to help. We strive to provide patients in the Oakland area with expert cardiac care. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more.
43 Yawpo Ave
Oakland, NJ 07436
Phone: 201-337-0066
Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saturday - Sunday: Closed
