Atherosclerosis

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the narrowing of the small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. The CHD is also called coronary artery disease.
Treatment
The doctor may prescribe one or more medicines to treat blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol levels. Carefully follow the doctor's recommendations to prevent a worsening of coronary artery disease.
The goals of treatment of these diseases in patients with coronary artery disease:
Blood pressure less than or equal to 140/90 (or less for some patients with diabetes, renal disease or heart failure)
Levels of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) less than or equal to 7% for people with diabetes
LDL cholesterol level exceeding 100 mg / dL (or less for some patients)
Treatment depends on their symptoms and disease severity. The doctor may prescribe one or more medicines to treat CHD, including:
Inhibitors of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors to lower blood pressure and protect heart and kidneys
Aspirin with or without clopidogrel (Plavix) or prasugrel (Effient) to prevent clot formation in the arteries
Beta-blockers reduce the heart rate, lower blood pressure and oxygen consumption by the heart
Calcium channel blockers relaxing arteries, lower blood pressure and reduce stress on the heart
Diuretics to lower blood pressure and treat heart failure
Nitrates (such as nitroglycerin) to relieve chest pain and improve blood flow to the heart
Statins to lower cholesterol
NEVER STOP SUDDENLY THE USE OF ANY OF THESE DRUGS. Always talk with your doctor first. The sudden discontinuation of these drugs may worsen angina or cause a heart attack.
The doctor may refer you to a cardiac rehabilitation program to improve the conditioning of your heart.
The procedures and surgeries used to treat coronary heart disease include:
Angioplasty and stent placement, called percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)
Bypass
Minimally invasive cardiac surgery
Have a healthy lifestyle
Some of the risk factors for heart disease that you CAN change are:
Do not smoke or use tobacco.
Make enough exercise at least 30 minutes a day for at least 5 days a week (talk to your doctor first).
Maintain a healthy weight. Men and women must seek to maintain a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9.
Making tests and treatment for depression.
Women who belong to the highest risk for heart disease should ingest supplements with omega 3 fatty acids.
If you consume alcohol, limit yourself to drink no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men.
Nutrition is important for your heart health and help control some of the risk factors for heart disease. See also: Heart Diseases and Diet
Choose a diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
Choose lean proteins like chicken, fish, beans and vegetables.
Consume semidesnatados dairy like milk and yogurt.
Avoid sodium (salt) and fats found in fried foods, processed foods and baked goods.
Eat less animal products that contain cheese, cream or eggs.
Read labels and stay away from "saturated fat" and anything containing fat "hydrogenated" or "partially hydrogenated". These products are often loaded with harmful fats.
Symptoms
Symptoms may be fairly obvious, but in some cases you may have the disease and not show any symptoms.
Chest pain or discomfort (angina) is the most common symptom. You feel this pain when the heart is not getting enough blood or oxygen. The degree of pain varies with each person.
It can be intense or like someone crushing your heart. This pain is felt below the chest bone (sternum), and also in the neck, arms, belly and upper back.
It usually occurs during an activity or emotional moment and disappears when the person rests or takes a medicine called nitroglycerin.
Other symptoms include shortness of breath and fatigue when the individual performs activities (effort).
Women, the elderly and individuals with diabetes are more likely to have symptoms of chest pain as well as:
Fatigue
Shortness of breath
Weakness