What Treatments are Given for CVD?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), also called heart disease, actually encompasses a number of conditions that affect the heart. All of these conditions cause narrowed and blocked blood vessels that can lead to serious complications like heart attack and stroke. Treatments will depend on the condition and its severity

Diet and Exercise

• Eating a healthy diet and getting adequate exercise are integral no matter what. You need to eat a low-fat and low-sodium diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily; work with your doctor to design an appropriate regimen.

Medications

• Certain medications address various heart problems; they include those that lower cholesterol, help the heart work more efficiently, control abnormal rhythms, open blood vessels and normalize the heartbeat, among others.

Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

• If you have heart disease, you must quit smoking, maintain a healthy weight and manage stress.

Managing Other Health Problems

• You must manage other health problems diligently as part of your CVD treatment. For example, you must keep your blood pressure and cholesterol under control; if you have diabetes, you must monitor your blood sugar regularly.

Surgeries and Procedures

• In more severe cases, certain surgeries and medical procedures can address your heart disease. Examples include angioplasty to open blocked arteries, using electrical shock to normalize heart rhythm, surgeries to repair defects, and in some cases, a heart transplant.