<unk>  can be treated but not cured. By changing lifestyle, further blockages can be prevented. A change in lifestyle, mixed with prescribed medication, can improve health. In some cases, coronary revascularization procedures may be used. Smoking cessation Tobacco smoking is a clear risk factor for development of coronary artery disease. Exposure to second hand smoke also has clear cardiovascular risks. Tobacco smokers have higher levels of cholesterol and triglycerides which are risk factors for development of coronary artery disease. Smoking has been shown in numerous studies to accelerate atherosclerosis by several years. A study showed that those who quit smoking reduced their risk of being hospitalized over the next two years. The benefits of smoking cessation are greater the longer an individual has been abstinent from tobacco. After two years of smoking cessation, risk of heart attack can be cut in half. Smoking cessation has a significant mortality benefit regardless of age. Nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion, and varenicline are safe therapies that improve the likelihood of smoking cessation. Healthy diet A healthy diet is a very important factor in preventing<unk>  or coronary artery disease. A heart-healthy diet is low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Recent studies have shown that there is an inverse correlation between increased fruit and vegetable intake and the risk of CAD. A mortality benefit has been seen in individuals with higher intake of whole grains. These food choices can reduce the risk of a heart attack or any other congestive heart failure event. These foods may also slow further growth of plaques in the coronary arteries and reduce further<unk> . Physical activity By increasing physical activity, it is possible to manage body weight, reduce blood pressure, and relieve stress. Moderate intensity exercise of 30–60 minutes per day for 5–7 days per week is recommended. Moderate intensity exercise is defined as exercise that increases heart rate to 55-74% of maximum heart rate. High intensity exercise increasing the heart rate to 70-100% of maximum heart rate for shorter intervals is at least as effective, and this type of exercise may increase oxygen uptake by the heart compared to moderate intensity exercise. Per the Center for Disease Control, an estimate of maximum heart rate for an individual can be calculated by subtracting age from 220. Exercising this way can reduce the risk of getting heart disease or<unk> . Medication-based therapy Medication-based therapy for<unk>  should be focused on reducing the likelihood of future adverse cardiac events and treating symptoms of<unk>  such as angina. Key medications with strong evidence of benefit include aspirin, or alternatively clopidogrel. These medications help to prevent clots in the coronary artery and the occlusion which can lead to a heart attack. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are indicated in individuals with diabetes, kidney disease, and hypertension. Statin medications help to reduce cholesterol and plaque formation and may even contribute to plaque regression. Other medications may be used to reduce the symptoms of<unk> , particularly angina. Long and short acting nitrates are one option for reducing anginal pain. Nitrates reduce the symptoms of angina by dilating blood vessels around the heart, which increases oxygen-rich blood supply to the muscle cells of the heart. Veins are also dilated, which reduces return of blood to the heart, easing strain on the heart muscle. Short-acting nitrates can be taken upon the onset of symptoms and should provide relief within minutes. Nitroglycerin is the most common short-acting nitrate and it is applied under the tongue. Long acting nitrates are taken 2-3 times per day and can be used to prevent angina. Beta-blockers may also be used to reduce the incidence of chronic angina. Beta-blockers prevent episodes of angina by reducing heart rate and reducing the strength of contraction of the heart, which lowers oxygen demand in the heart. Coronary revascularization In individuals with symptoms that are not well controlled with medical and lifestyle therapy there are invasive options available including percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). PCI involves placing a stent to relieve coronary artery blockages. CABG involves grafting new blood vessels to provide a new route for blood flow around the blocked vessel. Choice of treatment is based on the number of coronary vessels with blockages, which vessels are effected, and the medical history of the patient. There is not sufficient evidence to suggest that PCI or CABG provides a mortality benefit in individuals with stable<unk> . More recently, research has been investigating the short- and long-term efficacy of Hybrid Coronary Revascularization (HCR), a combination of both PCI and CABG. Some research supports that HCR is a stronger option compared to PCI or CABG alone for multivessel coronary artery disease because HCR is better at lowering the risk of short-term adverse cardiac/vascular events. However, long-term prevalence and survival rates of major adverse events were less conclusive, yielding some opposing results. More research is being done in order to determine the long-term effectiveness of the HCR treatment method.
Coronary ischemia
Coronary occlusion
Coronary vasospasm
Coronary thrombosis
Proarrhythmia
Myocardial stunning
Ischemia
Myocardial infarction