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Coronary Artery Disease
Treatment
The best treatment for an individual will depend on the kind of symptoms, the severity
of symptoms, the amount and location of blockage of the arteries, the individual's overall
health. and age.
A main goal of treatment is decreasing the size of the plaques and the amount of the
narrowing. The approaches used for prevention of the disease are also important in
treatment.
In addition, for some people, benefit may occur by having coronary bypass surgery.
Although this procedure has been done for decades, there is still controversy over which
patients will get what benefits from it.
Studies indicate that the decision to recommend coronary bypass surgery should be based on
which of the coronary arteries are involved, how many are involved, and how much narrowing
has taken place.
Coronary bypass surgery carries a significant risk. These risks are least when the
procedure is performed in an institution in which hundreds of procedures a year are
performed, and when performed by the most experienced surgeons. Even when done by the most
experienced surgeons, however, heart attacks and death may result.
It is important that an individual considering coronary bypass surgery understand the
probability of reaching treatment goals (decreased pain, improved heart function, and
longer life). Ask your physician to explain these goals, and the likelihood of reaching
them. Also ask him or her to fully explain the risks associated with the surgery.
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