For mild disease, heart medications alone might be used to reduce the heart's work and improve the patient's symptoms. In cases where the angiogram identifies significant narrowings, the physician might recommend either coronary angioplasty or coronary bypass surgery. A large number of patients are now able to be effectively treated with coronary balloon angioplasty and stenting. There are three major blood vessels supplying blood to the heart, and several additional large branch vessels. If there are blockages in each of the major vessels or their branches, bypass surgery can be performed on each of these.
Secondary prevention is extremely important.
Usually, this means reducing any cardiac risk factors. David Letterman clearly had a family history of heart disease. A complete physician's checkup is important for someone with a family history of heart disease. To sign up, click here .