Long-Term Goals for Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease develops when the blood vessels that supply the heart become narrowed and damaged. This reduces blood and oxygen flow to the heart---resulting in a number of symptoms and complications.

Reducing Plaque Build Up

• Reducing the amount of plaque build up contributing to artery blockage is the primary goal of treating this condition in the long-term. This will improve blood flow to the heart.

Preventing Complications

• Another long-term treatment goal is preventing complications common to coronary artery disease, including angina (chest pain and shortness of breath), irregular heart rhythms, heart failure (heart cannot pump enough blood throughout the body) and heart attack.

Reducing Risk Factors

• According to WebMD, managing the risk factors contributing to your coronary artery disease will benefit your condition in the long run. This includes controlling blood pressure and cholesterol, losing excess weight, quitting smoking and managing blood sugar if you are diabetic.

Preventing Blood Clots

• Narrowing of the arteries increases the risk of blood clots. Blood clots can trigger serious complications.

Treatment

• Meeting the above treatment goals usually entails a combination of medication and lifestyle changes---in some cases, you might require surgery to fix blocked arteries. Treatments include a diet low in salt and cholesterol, exercising regularly, losing weight, managing stress and drugs to prevent blood clots, lower cholesterol and control blood pressure, among others.