Cardiovascular disease affects many Americans. In fact, almost half of the adult population is said to have at least one type of disease of the heart and vascular system, which can impair the heart and healthy circulation of blood in the body. Arrhythmia, coronary artery disease, deep vein thrombosis, and congestive heart failure are all examples of cardiovascular diseases that can lead to a poor prognosis if not managed well. Treatment is usually aimed at reducing symptoms and minimizing the risk of life-threatening complications.
Below are some cardiovascular disease treatments. Talk to your cardiologist to determine which one is the best treatment for you.
Discuss Your Treatment Options and Expectations
Have an open and honest conversation with your doctor about your treatment options and what to expect from each. There is a range of treatment options for cardiovascular disease. Usually, a combination of treatments is used for the most effective results. Here are popular treatment options:
- Lifestyle changes may include changing your diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and reducing stress levels.
- Medication may include statins to lower cholesterol levels, antihypertensive drugs to control high blood pressure, antiplatelet medications, anticoagulants to prevent blood clot formation, and beta-blockers to slow the beating of the heart and widen blood vessels.
- Surgery, including angioplasty and stenting to open up narrowed or blocked blood vessels, ablation to break up electrical signals that cause irregular heartbeats, and the implantation of a pacemaker to regulate abnormal heart rhythms and prevent sudden cardiac arrest.
- Cardiac rehabilitation is a comprehensive program designed to help improve physical fitness and endurance and manage risk factors related to heart and vascular disease. Rehabilitation empowers patients to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle and helps them improve not just cardiovascular health but also mental health.
Discuss your condition and treatment options with your doctor, so you understand the expected results of each treatment and have realistic goals for what can be achieved.
Consider Your Preferences and Lifestyle
Take into account your personal preferences, lifestyle, and any practical considerations when discussing treatment options. For example, if you have a strong aversion to medication, you may want to explore non-pharmacological approaches or other therapies. The elderly who have multiple chronic diseases or patients with uncontrolled medical conditions may not be good candidates for heart surgery, as poor overall health increases the risk of complications from surgery.
In addition to finding a treatment plan that aligns with your values and is feasible for you to follow, it also helps to consider if the risks outweigh the benefits. Consider the short-term and long-term effects of treatment, as well as the impact on quality of life and well-being.
Cardiovascular Disease Treatment and Rehabilitation in Sherman, TX
The highly skilled team of cardiovascular specialists at Carrus Health Specialty Hospital is experienced in treating and rehabilitating patients with complex medical conditions, including patients with cardiovascular diseases, as well as those coming in from the post-intensive care unit. We provide inpatient and outpatient treatment programs.
The Carrus Health Specialty team will give you the highest quality and attentive patient-centric medical care in Sherman, Texas. For any questions or to schedule an appointment, call us today at (903) 870-2600.