Heart Disease TreatmentFor many people, a heart attack is the first sign of a lingering heart disease problem. When that occurs, there is a medical emergency demanding immediate attention. Sadly the average person misinterprets or ignores the heart attack signs and decides to wait as much as three hours or more before seeking medical help. Getting that person to the emergency room rapidly allows treatment to begin that can save a life as well as preserve heart function. This first "heart treatment" can establish the direction of care from that point forward. During a heart attack, blood flow carrying oxygen to the heart is slowed or blocked. The heart is a muscle and once it's starved for oxygen parts of that heart muscle gradually die.
If the person has a prior heart attack history, then he or she may carry nitroglycerin tablets for emergencies. After calling 911 to report the problem and get instructions, the person who is with the victim is likely to be directed to place the nitroglycerin table under the tongue of the victim. This provides some support while emergency medical technicians are on the way. Do not give any other type of medication to a victim. And it's a mistake to give nitroglycerin to a person who has never had a heart attack. That's a medical decision which must be made by a physician. While it seems helpful, it could do more harm than good. Further, it may also be necessary to begin CPR. The paramedics may take over CPR when they arrive. Mitral Valve Prolapse is another heart condition that is chronic yet manageable. As the valves of the heart seem to miss a beat, opening or closing erratically, the blood flow is interrupted causing problems in the heart. In some cases there is a related infection which is treated with antibiotics. Anytime dental work is required, antibiotics may be prescribed as a precaution against infection. Surgical correction of valves is only needed for the most severe cases of mitral value prolapse heart disease. A more common treatment is vasodilators, drugs that dilate blood vessels. By dilating the blood vessels, the flow of the blood is regulated and the stress on the heart is reduced. Anticoagulants are blood thinners that may prevent clot formation. Diuretics also known as water pills can be useful to reduce fluid build up in the lungs. Coronary Heart Disease is responsive to lifestyle changes as well as medications. Eliminating or reducing risk factors is critical to treatment of this chronic condition. These risks are smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity and sedentary habits. Medications to treat coronary heart disease range from daily low dose of aspirin to anti-coagulants and blood thinners. Beta blocker may be taken to moderate heart rate or Calcium Channel blockers used to relax arteries. Additionally ACE Inhibitors or Diuretics are prescribed to lower blood pressure. In some cases, Coronary Angioplasty also called Balloon Angioplasty is used to open the arteries. The treatment choices are varied and tailored to each patient's needs. |