How Is Heart Disease Treated?
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Introduction
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the number one killer for both men and women in the United States. Heart disease can be a series of disorders that affect how the heart works. Most commonly, heart disease is caused by a plaque and fat that deposits itself on the walls of the arteries in the body, including the heart's aorta artery. This can cause serious complications, including heart attack, stroke, heart failure and angina.
Medication
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One of the first lines of treatment for heart disease is medication. Medication can help treat a series of factors that contribute to heart disease. Medication can dissolve blood clots, lower HDL cholesterol levels which cause the plaque on the arteries, lower blood pressure, and even help regulate the way in which the heart beats.
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Surgery
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Surgery is usually a last resort option for treatment of heart disease. This medical procedure usually involves replacing weak heart valves, performing bypass on clogged arteries, stenting the heart, installing a pace maker, or even heart transplants.
Lifestyle Change
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Heart disease treatment usually also comes with lifestyle changes. Increases in activity levels regarding exercise are one of these changes. A diet low in salt and HDL cholesterol containing foods is also a key factor in a lifestyle change treatment. Patients are also encouraged to stop smoking, as well as stop drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.
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Resources
- Photo Credit ynhh.org
