Treating Coronary Artery Disease
Treating Coronary Artery DiseaseThe goal of treating Coronary Artery Disease is to restore blood flow to the heart.There are a variety of treatments that can help to do this.Depending on the amount of blockage in your artery you may have an Angioplasty.In an angioplasty a catheter, with a tiny balloon attached to it, is inserted into your arm or leg, and moved tothe narrowed area of your artery. The balloon is then inflated, pushing the plaque against the artery wall, andallowing the blood to flow freely again.Sometimes a small metal device called a stent, is inserted into the artery. This holds the plaque against theartery wall, and stays in the artery helping to keep it open.In some cases your healthcare provider may perform Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting, also called HeartBypass Surgery.In this surgery an expendable vein or artery from another area of your body is used to bypass the narrowedarea of the coronary artery.This increases the blood flow and allows the heart to get the blood that it needs.In addition to these procedures to treat your CAD, your healthcare provider might prescribe nitroglycerin totake if you experience possible symptoms of a heart attack; such as angina.Nitroglycerin helps to widen the blood vessels which increases blood flow to your heart decreasing chest painand discomfort.Nitroglycerin can be taken either as a pill or a spray.Put one dose under your tongue. Wait five minutes.If the discomfort continues, call 911. Continue to take your nitroglycerin as prescribed.You may be instructed to take aspirin, if there is no medical reason for you not to.Getting treatment for Coronary Artery Disease can help improve blood flow to your heart and lessen the riskof a heart attack.Talk to your healthcare provider about changes you can make to help prevent your CAD from progressing.Page 1 ofThis program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.© The Wellness Network
© The Wellness Network
