Cardiovascular disease treatments vary depending on the problem. Treatment of heart disease may require lifestyle changes, medications, surgery or other medical procedures. The goal of treating heart disease is often to surgically open narrowed arteries that cause problems. Depending on the severity of the artery blockage, treatment may include:
- Lifestyle changes: Doctors often recommend lifestyle changes to help treat heart disease. Lifestyle changes include eating a low-fat and low-sodium diet, exercising for at least 30 minutes most days of the week, quitting smoking and drinking less alcoholic beverages.
- Medications:Sometimes lifestyle changes aren't enough and medications may be needed to control the disease. Medications are used to lower blood pressure, thin the blood and lower cholesterol.
- Medical procedures or surgery: Specific procedures or surgery to clear the blockages in your heart may be required. Review the list of surgeries in the left navigation and call your doctor for questions.