The
coronary arteries supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood. When the
arteries narrow, less blood and oxygen flow to the heart. This is
called coronary artery disease (CAD). Lack of sufficient oxygen to the
heart may cause angina or a heart attack. Most cases of CAD are due to
atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), in which fatty deposits
called plaques build up inside the coronary arteries, restricting
blood flow.
Drug therapy
is effective for the treatment of stable angina and for slowing
progression of coronary artery disease. Unstable angina may require
surgical intervention in addition to the therapies given for stable
angina.
To
date, surgery is usually recommended for patients who have unstable
angina that does not respond promptly to medical treatment, who have
severe recurrent episodes that last more than 20 minutes, or who have
other high risk factors for heart attacks. Surgery is also performed
in people with severe coronary artery disease (e.g., severe angina,
multi-vessel involvement, evidence of ischemia), particularly if
abnormalities are evident in the left ventricle of the heart, the main
pumping chamber.
You
can do for yourself to increase your health, speed your recovery, ease
pain, or aid rehabilitation. Included are materials on lifestyle and
behavior changes, diet, exercise, body-mind approaches, and similar
self-care measures.
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