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Coronary heart disease

Coronary heart disease treatment

Treatment aims to ease symptoms and lower the risk of a heart attack. Most people take several medicines, and some need a procedure.

Written by Neil Hyde Last checked 2 minute read

On this page
  1. Medicines
  2. Procedures
  3. Cardiac rehabilitation
  4. Other conditions linked to CHD

Medicines

Most people take a combination of medicines, such as:

MedicineWhat it does
Aspirin or another antiplateletMakes blood less sticky, lowering the risk of clots
Statins, such as atorvastatinLower cholesterol
Beta blockers, such as bisoprololSlow the heart and ease angina
Calcium channel blockersRelax the arteries and ease angina
ACE inhibitors, such as ramiprilLower blood pressure and protect the heart
GTN spray or tabletsQuickly relieve an angina attack

Keep taking your medicines even when you feel well, and talk to your GP or pharmacist about any side effects.

Procedures

If medicines do not control your symptoms, or tests show a high risk, you may be offered:

  • coronary angioplasty and stent (PCI): a small balloon is passed into the narrowed artery through a blood vessel in your wrist or groin, and a mesh tube called a stent keeps it open
  • coronary artery bypass graft (CABG): open heart surgery where a blood vessel from elsewhere in your body is used to bypass the narrowed artery

Cardiac rehabilitation

After a heart attack, stent or heart surgery, you should be offered cardiac rehabilitation. It is a free programme of exercise, education and support, often in groups or online. It helps you recover, gain confidence and lower your risk of another heart problem. It makes a real difference, so take up your place if you are offered one.

Other conditions linked to CHD

Coronary heart disease can lead to heart failure (when the heart does not pump as well as it should) or abnormal heart rhythms. These have their own treatments. Tell your GP if you notice more breathlessness, swollen ankles or palpitations.

Next, read about living well with coronary heart disease.

Common questions

How do I use a GTN spray?

Sit down, then spray one or two puffs under your tongue. If the pain has not gone after 5 minutes, use it again. If the pain has still not gone 5 minutes after the second dose, call 999.

Sources we used

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