Heart attacksĀ are fairly common health events that can be severe or even fatal. They occur when plaque buildup blocks blood flow in the arteries. Because heart attacks are so dangerous, it’s critical to know about treatment options in case you or a loved one experiences one.
Ready to learn about your heart attack treatment option? Read on…
1. Coronary Angioplasty
During coronary angioplasty, doctors insert a ballon-tipped catheter through an artery (either in the wrist/groin) to a blocked artery in the heart, which is inflated gently to clear away plaque in the affected artery and improve blood flow. This is a fairly common procedure, particularly for people who have suffered more than one heart attack.
Some measures, though, must be taken to totally evade future risks…
2. Coronary Stent Placement
Stent placement involves inserting a small expandable mesh coil through a catheter into a blocked artery to prevent future clogging. These procedures are now currently performed in many angioplasties and are preventative.
This next heart attack treatment finds a way to avoid clogged arteries…
3. Bypass Surgery
Bypass surgery is a common medical procedure for people who experience heart attacks. In bypass surgery, the surgeon redirects blood flow around plaque-blocked arteries to restore blood supply to the heart. This is usually done days after a heart attack has occurred to make room for recovery.
The following pharmaceutical treatment can also help people who suffer from heart attacks…
4. Medication
Physicians often recommend a variety of medications for heart attacks. These include thrombolytics, nitroglycerin, beta-blockers, and ACE inhibitors, which relieve specific effects like clot formation, chest pains, and increased blood pressure. If your doctor prescribes a heart attack medication, make sure to ask about any potential side effects before you start treatment.
Some habits need to be dropped in order to prevent heart attacks…
5. Quitting Smoking
As smoking is an important risk factor for heart disease, cutting the habit altogether, albeit difficult for most people, can significantly improve heart health. It’s also recommended to avoid being around secondhand smoke, which can also contribute to bad heart health.
The following heart attack treatment is also preventative…
6. Managing Blood Pressure & Cholesterol
Increased blood pressure and cholesterol levels both increase the chances of a heart attack. Doctors normally instruct patients with high blood pressure and/or cholesterol to maintain a healthy diet and get plenty of exercise.
This next treatment might be a result of exercising frequently…
7. Lose The Pounds
Having excess body fat can result in a person developing high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or even diabetes. All of these health conditions can take a toll on the heart, so it’s imperative to maintain a healthy weight.
This next heart attack treatment option will definitely help you lose weight…
8. Follow A Cardiovascular Exercise Plan
Exercising has been proven to boost overall health, especially for the heart. Aerobic exercises like jogging, walking, or swimming improve circulation and blood pressure, while resistance and flexibility exercises reduce body fat and musculoskeletal foundation.
Hungry? What you eat matters when it comes to heart health, too…
9. Eat A Healthy Diet
Excess cholesterol, fat, trans fats, and salt is definitely no bueno for the heart and overall health. A heart-healthy diet should consist of fiber-rich whole grains, skinless poultry and fish, low-fat dairy, low-sugar foods, and a generous variety of fruits and vegetables.
Taking care of your heart involves good self-care inside and out, too…
10. Manage Your Stress
While stress alone doesn’t cause heart problems, it can worsen the risk. Reducing stress and rethinking strategies to deal with day-to-day problems can diminish the risk of increased blood pressure and tension. In severe cases, when stress results in depression and/or anxiety, it’s important to consult a mental health professional for help.