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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