Heart Disease (cont.)
Heart catheterization or coronary angiography
This test is the gold standard for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease.
A cardiologist inserts and then threads a small tube through the groin or arm
into the coronary arteries, where dye is injected to directly visualize the
arteries on an x-ray. This test defines the anatomy of the coronary arteries.
CT coronary angiogram is
a fairly new test to diagnose coronary artery disease. During this procedure,
intravenous dye containing iodine is injected into the patient and CT scanning
is performed to image the coronary arteries.
What is the treatment for heart disease?
Coronary artery disease is usually treated in a multi-step approach depending
upon a patient's symptoms. The patient and healthcare provider need to work
together to return the patient to a normal lifestyle.
Prevention of heart disease
The key to the treatment is prevention. A healthy lifestyle is the key,
including exercise,
proper nutrition, and
smoking cessation.
An aspirin a day is recommended to decrease the risk for heart disease and
should be started with the recommendation of a healthcare provider.
A little alcohol (one drink per day for women or two drinks per day for men)
decreases the risk of heart disease compared to nondrinkers. However, it is not
recommended that nondrinkers begin drinking.
Modifying risk factors for heart disease
While patients cannot choose their family and alter their genetic
predisposition to coronary artery disease, the rest of the risk factors are
under control of the patient. Keeping blood pressure, cholesterol and other
lipid levels, and diabetes under control needs to become a life-long goal.
Smoking cessation is highly encouraged.
Next: Medications »
- Beta Blockers - Learn more about Beta Blockers, a drug that treats angina and other heart rhythm disorders, migraines, high blood pressure, panic attacks, and tremors. Generic and brand names are included in the article.
- CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) - CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography, CAT scan) is a procedure that assists in diagnosing tumors, fractures, bony structures, and infections in the organs and tissues of the body.
- Low Blood Pressure - Learn about low blood pressure (hypotension). Low blood pressure is blood pressure below normal and symptoms may include: lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting upon standing (orthostatic hypotension). There are many causes of low blood pressure, and treatment is dependant upon the cause.
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