Treating Heart Disease
Your heart beats about 3 billion times between birth and age 90 — here’s what can go wrong along the way, and what to look out for.
Heart disease can be present at birth, develop gradually over many years, or happen suddenly and unexpectedly. Whichever way it develops, there are usually several treatment options available.
Treatment broadly falls into three categories: medicines, devices and surgical procedures, and lifestyle changes. Often, different types of treatment are combined to give the best outcome.
Prescription medication to manage blood pressure, cholesterol, heart rhythm, or reduce clotting risk.
From pacemakers and stents to bypass surgery — procedures that repair, support, or replace parts of the heart.
Diet, exercise, and other daily habits — powerful enough to prevent, and even help treat, many heart conditions.
Discuss any concerns about your medication with your doctor or pharmacist. Never stop taking a prescribed medication unless your doctor tells you to — remember, medication only works when you take it.
This list is for general awareness only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow the guidance of your own doctor or pharmacist regarding your specific medication and dosage.
Watch a step-by-step interactive animation explaining how angioplasty and stent procedures work to open blocked arteries and restore blood flow.
Watch the animationA healthy lifestyle doesn't just prevent heart disease — it can also help treat existing conditions like heart failure, atherosclerosis, and coronary heart disease. Ask your doctor how healthy living could improve your own heart condition.
