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Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of death
in the United States. Over a million people each year
will have a heart attack and 25% will die before they
get to the hospital or in the Emergency Room.
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Prevention is the key to treatment
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Diagnosis is often made by careful history taken by a
healthcare provider. Some patients may have atypical symptoms,
including almost none at all.
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The testing strategy to confirm the diagnosis and plan appropriate
treatment needs to be individualized for each patient.
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Treatment depends upon the severity of disease and is often
directed by the symptoms experienced by the patient.
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The
heart is like any other muscle, requiring blood to supply
oxygen and nutrients for it to function. The heart's needs
are provided by the coronary arteries, which begin at
the base of the aorta, and spread across the surface of
the heart, branching out to all areas of the heart muscle.
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The
coronary arteries are at risk for narrowing as cholesterol deposits,
called plaques, build up inside the artery. If the arteries
narrow enough, blood supply to the heart muscle may be slowed
down and this slowing of the blood flow to the heart causes
pain, called angina.
A
heat attack occurs when a plaque ruptures, allowing a
blood clot to form. This obstructs the artery, stopping blood
flow to part of the heart muscle, and that portion of muscle
dies.
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Risk
Factors For Heart Disease
-
Smoking
- High
Blood Pressure
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High Cholesterol
- Diabetes
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Family History
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Peripheral artery disease
- Obesity
Treatment
For Heart Disease
Coronary
artery disease is usually treated in a multi-step approach
depending on symptoms. The patient and healthcare provider
need to work together to return the patient to a normal
lifestyle.
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Freedom
Pharmacy will work with your healthcare provider to ensure you
receive the medication you need. Our pharmacists are on call
24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Prevention
is the most effective key…a healthy lifestyle, which includes
exercise, proper nutrition, and smoking cessation.
Let
us design a wellness program for you!
Links:
American
Heart Association
1-800-242-8721
www.americanheart.org
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