Treatment
Treatment includes:
- Oxygen
- Pain-relief medications (such as morphine)
- Nitrate medications
- Aspirin and other antiplatelet agents
- Beta-blocking and/or ACE inhibitor medications (frequently given)
- Anti-anxiety medications
-
Clot-dissolving agents (thrombolytics)—Within the first six hours after a heart attack, you may be given medications to break up blood clots in the coronary arteries.
- Other medicines that may be given include those that block the function of platelets (called platelet IIb/IIIa receptor blockers).
- Cholesterol-lowering medications (eg, statin drugs)
Surgery
If you have severe blockages, you may need surgery. Surgery includes:
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
- Atherectomy
- Balloon angioplasty with or without stenting
According to a review, patients who received CABG had more angina relief and less need for another, similar procedure. This is compared to those who received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). PCI involves techniques using balloon angioplasty or coronary stenting . *¹
Physical or Rehabilitative Therapy
During recovery , you may need physical or rehabilitative therapy to help you regain your strength.
Treatment for Depression
You may feel depressed after having a heart attack. Therapy and medication can help relieve depression .
If you have a heart attack, follow your doctor's instructions .
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
Improved
480 HealthChanged
215 LivesSaved
160 LivesPopular this Week
Connect with Women Like You 75 Women Care About this Condition
You're not alone. Connect with other women who are going through what you're going through, who understand and are here for you!
+ Join this Community
