Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Atherosclerotic Disease
Atherosclerotic diseasesincludecoronary artery disease, carotid artery disease, and peripheral artery disease.
In these cases, treatment will focus on regulating your heartbeat.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
The goal is to reduce your symptoms as much as possible while balancing medications and other treatment options.
Exercise
Enough can’t be said about the effectiveness of staying active for heart health.
In general, attempt to get 30 to 60 minutes of exercise on most days.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Weight Control
Getting your weight to a normal level can help prevent your heart disease from worsening.
Talk to your healthcare provider about what a good range is for you and your body pop in.
In general, aim for abody mass index(BMI) of 24 or under.
BMI is a dated, flawed measure.
It does not take into account factors such asbody composition, ethnicity, sex, race, and age.
Stress Management
Don’t let the stress in your life build up.
check that you take time for yourself and that you have go-to relaxation methods you might use.
If you have questions or concerns, talk to your healthcare provider.
Diabetes Control
If you havediabetes, it’s important that you keep it well managed.
There are a large number of different medications that your healthcare provider may prescribe.
Side effects can include dizziness, high potassium levels in your blood, and swelling in your tissues.
Angiotensin Receptor Neprilysin Inhibitors (ARNIs)
These new drugs are used to treat heart failure.
Potential side effects are dizziness, lightheadedness, or a cough.
Side effects may include taste changes, appetite loss, sensitivity to sunlight, diarrhea, and constipation.
Commonly prescribed antiarrhythmics include Cordarone (amiodarone), flecainide, Rhythmol (propafenone), and quinidine.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are used to treat heart infections like endocarditis and bacterial pericarditis.
Side effects may include excessive bleeding, dizziness, weakness, hair loss, and rashes.
Examples of anticoagulants are warfarin, heparin, Pradaxa (dabigatran), and Eliquis (apixaban).
Depending on your condition, you may be prescribed two antiplatelet agents.
They can reduce blood pressure and slow down the heart rate.
They’re used to treat atherosclerotic disease, high blood pressure, and arrhythmias.
Common potential side effects are dizziness, fainting, and slow or fast heartbeat.
Diuretics
You’ve likely heard diuretics referred to as water pills.
Statins
Statins are used to lower cholesterol.
The most common side effect is muscle pain.
Here’s an overview of some of the procedures and devices that may be used.
A CABG can also help relieve chest pain (angina).
You may have one or up to several grafts done, depending upon how much blockage there is.
This surgery is used to treat heart failure, atherosclerotic disease, and arrhythmias.
Your healthcare provider will decide what the best choice is for you based on your condition.
It can also function as a pacemaker, keeping your heart from beating too slowly.
This equipment helps your heart pump blood through your body.
Implantation does require open-heart surgery, so the risks and benefits need to be weighed.
For people with severe heart failure, however, it can be a lifesaver.
Pacemakers are used for people with arrhythmias.
Maze Procedure
For some types of arrhythmia, a maze procedure works to regulate heart rhythm.
This creates a block so the signal can no longer get through.
This forces it to beat in a normal rhythm.
It’s not just for the end of life, though hospice care does always include palliative care.
It’s a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider before increasing or adding these to your diet.
Multiple studies have also shown that flaxseed supplements can significantly lower your blood pressure.
Garlic is very safe and is often used to treat high blood pressure in developing countries.
Of course, as this is animal research, results may not be the same in humans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maybe.
Some forms of heart disease can be reversed with medication, diet, and healthy lifestyle changes.
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National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diabetes, heart disease, & stroke.
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Cleveland Clinic.Can statins actually reverse plaque buildup?
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Cleveland Clinic.Heart-healthy foods to add to your grocery list.
American Heart Association.Types of heart medications.
American Heart Association.Heart procedures and surgeries.
