How is coronary artery atherosclerotic heart disease treated?
Generally, coronary artery disease may be caused by genetic factors, unhealthy lifestyle habits, hypertension, and other factors. Treatment methods include lifestyle modifications, medication therapy, interventional therapy, surgical therapy, and cardiac rehabilitation. Individualized treatment plans should be discussed with a physician. A detailed explanation is as follows:
1. Lifestyle Modifications
Reducing intake of high-fat and high-cholesterol foods and increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in dietary fiber can help control blood lipid levels and delay the progression of atherosclerosis. Engaging in moderate physical activity, such as walking or jogging (aerobic exercise), can help improve cardiopulmonary function and promote blood circulation. However, exercise intensity should be appropriate to avoid excessive fatigue.
2. Medication Therapy
Under a physician's guidance, antiplatelet medications such as aspirin enteric-coated tablets, clopidogrel bisulfate tablets, and ozagrel sodium for injection may be used to reduce platelet aggregation and lower the risk of thrombosis. Statins, such as atorvastatin calcium tablets, simvastatin tablets, and rosuvastatin calcium capsules, can help lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels and slow the progression of atherosclerosis.
3. Interventional Therapy
After identifying the location of the lesion via coronary angiography, catheter-based techniques can be used to deliver balloons or stents to the narrowed area to dilate the vessel and improve myocardial blood supply. Commonly used procedures include percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty and coronary artery stent implantation, which are two common revascularization methods for patients with coronary artery disease.
4. Surgical Treatment
This primarily refers to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), commonly known as bypass surgery. In this procedure, a patient's own blood vessel is used as a graft to bypass the blocked artery and restore normal blood flow. It is typically recommended for patients with severe coronary artery disease, multiple-vessel involvement, or left ventricular dysfunction.
5. Cardiac Rehabilitation
Following the aforementioned treatments, planned cardiopulmonary training, psychological counseling, and regular follow-up sessions can help patients re-establish healthy lifestyle habits, improve physical fitness, and reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events. These rehabilitation programs are effective in reducing recurrence rates and improving quality of life.
It is recommended to maintain a calm mindset and avoid excessive stress and anxiety to minimize adverse effects on heart health.