Treating heart disease is a lifelong process. This portion of the eMedTV archives provides details about different aspects of treatment for heart disease, including lifestyle changes, medications, procedures and surgery, and cardiac rehab.
There are several tests a doctor may use to assist with a heart disease diagnosis. This eMedTV resource explains the various procedures used to help diagnose heart disease, such as EKGs, stress tests, and cardiac catheterization.
Types of medications used to treat heart disease include anticoagulants, beta blockers, and nitrates. This eMedTV page explores the medications that are used to treat symptoms of the condition, as well as those used to prevent or minimize risk factors.
This eMedTV article provides suggestions for remembering to take your heart medicine, such as using a weekly pillbox, placing reminder notes around the house, or programming a startup message into your computer.
Open heart surgery is a procedure that is used to improve the blood supply to the heart. This eMedTV segment takes an in-depth look at this procedure, including how it is performed, possible complications, and more.
This eMedTV page provides an in-depth look at beating heart bypass surgery, including how it differs from other heart surgeries, expected benefits, and possible risks. As the name suggests, this operation is performed while the heart is beating.
Cardiac rehab involves exercise, education, and counseling to help heart disease patients recover faster. This eMedTV article explains the benefits associated with these programs and provides information about finding one near you.
While it's unknown if reversing heart disease is possible, certain drugs have shown promise. This eMedTV Web page explores a few of the research studies on these drugs, including studies of statins that demonstrated a reduction in plaque buildup.
As explained in this eMedTV segment, avoiding heart disease often involves making lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, losing weight, and exercising more. This article also describes other aspects of heart disease prevention.
As explained in this eMedTV segment, a natural approach to heart disease often involves making lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, losing weight, adopting sensible eating habits, and exercising more.
This eMedTV Web page explains that, while there is no heart disease cure, you can help prevent it or minimize its effects by adopting a healthier lifestyle, which includes regular exercise, routine checkups, and maintaining a healthy weight.
