Treatment and Prevention
Your doctor may prescribe any of these medication treatments:
- Cholesterol-lowering medications can reduce the levels of "bad"
cholesterol in your blood while increasing the levels of "good"
(high-density lipid) cholesterol. Your medication will be chosen based on
the ratios of various cholesterol types found in your blood.
- Blood pressure reducing agents can lower your risk of heart attack
dramatically if you have high blood pressure. These drugs come in several
types, and your doctor will advise which medication is best for you.
- Aspirin* reduces the chances of having a heart attack.
Only small doses (a "baby" Aspirin) are needed to help prevent a
heart attack. If you cannot take aspirin, your doctor may recommend other
drugs.
- The three main classes of medications to treat stable angina are beta-blockers,
calcium channel blockers, and nitroglycerin-type drugs. Medications that
treat angina help reduce the heart's workload.
Getting medication treatment isn't the only way to combat coronary artery
disease. Here are a few heart-healthy tips:
- Quit smoking. If you smoke, this is the most important step to reduce
the risk of developing CAD quickly and significantly.
- Eat a healthy diet. It should be low in salt and fat (less than
30% of total calories), and high in fiber, fresh fruits, legumes (beans),
nuts, and seeds. Avoid saturated fat, partially hydrogenated vegetable oils,
fried foods, and refined carbohydrates. Losing weight can also offset the
risks associated with CAD.
- Have your cholesterol levels checked regularly. People with diabetes
should have this done every one to three years. Men between the ages of 40
and 70 and women between the ages of 50 and 70 should have their cholesterol
levels monitored every five years if they do not have CAD or a history of
high cholesterol. Check with your doctor if you haven't had a cholesterol
check recently. Depending on your risk factors, your target cholesterol levels
will differ.
- Get regular exercise. Along with reducing the chances of having
a heart attack, regular physical activity lowers the heart rate, improves
cholesterol levels, and helps control high blood pressure. It can also help
you lose weight. Consult your doctor before starting an exercise program,
especially if you have any other medical conditions.
- Manage your stress levels. This will also benefit those with high
blood pressure. As well, it reduces the levels of some hormones that may increase
the risk of having a heart attack.
*All medications have both common (generic) and brand names. The brand name
is what a specific manufacturer calls the product (e.g., Tylenol®).
The common name is the medical name for the medication (e.g., acetaminophen).
A medication may have many brand names, but only one common name. This article
lists medications by their common names. For more information on brand names,
speak with your doctor or pharmacist.