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Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) are the progressive narrowing of arteries that supply blood to the heart and other vessels in the arms, legs and kidneys. The following steps may lower the risk of future problems such as angina (chest pain), heart attacks, stroke or death. These principles apply whether the cardiologist found blockages tight enough to fix (either by stenting or surgery) or whether the blockages are mild enough to be treated with medication.
If you smoke, STOP. There are various methods to help you break the habit but all require that you want to stop. These include convincing family members to refrain from smoking in your presence, nicotine substitutes (patches, gum, and inhalers) and medications that help to decrease the craving.
If you have diabetes your sugar needs to be tightly controlled. This will require careful attention to diet and the help of your medical doctor.
Control your blood cholesterol. Patients with coronary artery disease should lower their LDL (bad) cholesterol to less than 100. This frequently requires not only lowering the amount of saturated fat in your diet, but may also require medication in a class of drugs known as statins (e.g., Lipitor, Zocor, Pravachol, Mevacor, Lescol or Altacor).
If possible, you should exercise for 30 minutes 3 to 4 times a week. Though this is ideal, remember that any exercise is better than no exercise.
Your doctor may prescribe the following additional medications:
ACE-Inhibitors: which have been shown to lower the risk of heart attack and death (e.g., Lisinopril, Zestril, Prinivil, Altace, Accupril, Monopril).
Beta Blockers: which may lower the risk of future heart attacks or dangerous arrhythmias (e.g., Atenolol, Metoprolol, Toprol, Lopressor).
Blood Thinners:
- Aspirin: you will be asked to take aspirin (81 mg or 325 mg by mouth once a day) for the rest of your life, unless you are allergic.
- Plavix (Clopidigrel): if you have a stent implanted, your doctor will require you to take this drug for 1-12 months after inserting a stent to prevent sudden closure of the stent.
It is important that you follow these recommendations your entire life, even if you have had stents or surgery, since coronary and peripheral arterial disease are chronic conditions that can be controlled, but not cured. This means that you should continue these measures even if you are experiencing no discomfort.
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