Heart disease is the number one cause of death globally, and it comes in many forms.

Whether you’re suffering from coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, or heart failure, there are a number of treatments available to help manage your symptoms and improve your condition. Here are ten of the most well-researched and proven treatments for heart disease:.

Dietary Changes

One of the most important things you can do to manage heart disease is to make changes to your diet.

Eating a diet that’s low in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol can help reduce your risk of developing heart disease, while also managing the symptoms if you’ve already been diagnosed. Good choices include lean proteins like fish and chicken, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats like olive oil.

Exercise

Regular exercise is also essential for managing heart disease. Exercise can help improve heart function, reduce inflammation, and lower blood pressure. Some good exercises for heart health include walking, swimming, and cycling.

You should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.

Smoking Cessation

Smoking damages your heart and blood vessels, increasing your risk of developing heart disease by up to four times. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your heart health.

If you’re having trouble quitting on your own, consider speaking with a healthcare professional about nicotine replacement therapy or prescription medications that can help make the process easier.

Medications

There are many medications available that can help manage heart disease. Some common medications include ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics.

These medications work by reducing blood pressure and improving heart function, among other things. Your doctor can help determine which medications are right for you.

Angioplasty and Stenting

If you have coronary artery disease, you may benefit from angioplasty and stenting. During this procedure, a small balloon is inserted into the blocked artery and inflated, widening the artery so that blood can flow through more easily.

Pacemakers

If you have an arrhythmia (a heart rhythm disorder), a pacemaker may help. A pacemaker is a small device that’s implanted in your chest. It sends electrical signals to your heart, helping to regulate your heartbeat.

Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs)

ICDs are similar to pacemakers, but they’re designed to treat life-threatening arrhythmias. If your heart goes into a dangerous rhythm, the ICD will send an electrical shock to your heart, helping to restore a normal heartbeat.

Bypass Surgery

If you have severe coronary artery disease, you may need bypass surgery. During this procedure, your surgeon will take a blood vessel from another part of your body (typically your leg) and use it to bypass the blocked or narrowed artery.

This helps improve blood flow to the heart, reducing the risk of heart attack.

Heart Transplant

For some people with severe heart disease, a heart transplant may be necessary. During this procedure, your damaged heart is replaced with a healthy heart from a donor.

While heart transplants are relatively rare, they can be life-saving for those who need them.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation is a program that’s designed to help people with heart disease improve their heart health and reduce their risk of complications.

The program typically includes exercise training, education and counseling, and support for making lifestyle changes. If you have heart disease, ask your doctor about cardiac rehabilitation.

Conclusion

If you have heart disease, there are many treatments available that can help manage your symptoms and improve your condition.

From dietary changes and exercise to medications, surgeries, and cardiac rehabilitation, there’s a treatment plan out there that’s right for you. Talk to your doctor about which treatments are best suited to your needs.