An ECG reading will help determine if the person has developed coronary artery disease. That person can then take steps to remedy the problem. Other diagnostic measures include the exercise stress test, a coronary angiography, an echocardiogram, nuclear scan, magnetic resonance angiography, and CT angiography (Chen 2011). Treatment usually involves lifestyle changes, but other interventions may be necessary too. Aspirin can prevent blood clots from forming in arteries and therefore reduce risk of heart attack (Chen 2011). Certain patients can take aspirin daily as a preventative measure (Singh 2011). Other pharmacological interventions that are commonly used in the treatment of coronary artery disease include ACE inhibitors, which lower blood pressure and protect the kidneys (Chen 2011). Hormone replacement therapy was once indicated for premenopausal and menopausal women at risk for coronary artery disease but recent research shows that hormone replacement therapy may have the opposite effect. Therefore, hormone replacement therapy is "no longer recommended for prevention of heart disease," (Singh 2011).

Beta-blockers are another group of drugs that "lower heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen use by the heart," as well as "reduce the risk of arrhythmias and improve survival after a heart attack or with heart failure," (Chen 2011). Statins are drugs that reduce lipids and therefore reduce cholesterol, which can be a causal factor in coronary artery disease (Singh 2011). Calcium channel blockers "relax arteries, lower blood pressure, and reduce strain on the heart," (Chen 2011). Diuretics "lower blood pressure and treat congestive heart failure," (Chen 2011).

Some interventions for coronary heart disease are more advanced and complicated and reserved for more serious conditions, in which the patient has already developed problems such as heart attack. For example, "percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has been shown to reduce angina but does not reduce cardiac events or mortality associated with coronary heart disease (Boden, O'Rourke & Teo 2007). Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are both effective, in reducing fatalities related to coronary heart disease, but of the two interventions CABG is more effective in reducing the number and severity of coronary events related to coronary artery disease (Serruys, Morice, Kappetein, et al. 2009).

Conclusions

Coronary artery disease is...

The disease is, however, largely preventable. Although genetic factors may predispose some persons towards having coronary artery disease, lifestyle factors play a strong role in the development of heart problems. Persons with high cholesterol, diabetes, and other preexisting conditions may also be at risk for developing coronary heart disease. Therefore, all patients should be checked regularly for coronary heart disease. Likewise, all persons should take lifestyle precautions that reduce risk and promote heart health.