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Treatments for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Treatments for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

The treatment goals of CAD are to:

  • Ease angina symptoms
  • Improve heart function
  • Lower the risk of lasting heart damage

CAD is treated with a mix of lifestyle changes, medicine, and sometimes surgery. These treatments are meant to slow or reverse plaque build-up, dilate arteries to improve blood flow, and lower the risk of other health problems. Any underlying health problems that lead to CAD will also need to be treated, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.

Plaque Blocking an Artery.

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Treatment may be:

Lifestyle changes

Medications

Surgery

Alternative and complementary therapies

References

  • C-reactive protein (CRP) as cardiac risk factor. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/evaluation/c-reactive-protein-crp-as-cardiac-risk-factor.
  • Coronary artery disease (CAD). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/coronary-artery-disease-cad.
  • Malakar AK, Choudhury D, et al. A review on coronary artery disease, its risk factors, and therapeutics. J Cell Physiol. 2019;234(10):16812-16823.
  • What is coronary heart disease? National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute website. Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/coronary-heart-disease.

Contributors

  • Mark Arredondo, MD
Last Updated:
2023-09-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.