Are your coronary arteries blocked? Let's talk about treatments for advanced atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is a condition in which the arteries that carry blood to your heart gradually narrow and become blocked by fatty deposits. When this condition becomes severe, it can cause chest pain and difficulty breathing. In most cases, the first treatment for this condition is medication. But sometimes, medication alone cannot control the condition. In such cases, doctors decide to do something more, that is, a slightly more complex treatment. Today we will talk about two such main treatments.

First method: Angioplasty and Stenting

This is the most commonly used method. Simply put, it involves opening the blocked blood vessel from the inside. The way it is done is very interesting.

First, the doctor will do a special X-ray test called a ``Coronary Angiogram.`` This can see exactly where and how much of the blood vessels in the heart are blocked. Then, a very thin tube (catheter) is passed through a major blood vessel in the arm or leg to the blocked artery in the heart. This is done very delicately.

Next, a special liquid (dye) is injected through this tube. This liquid is clearly visible on the X-ray screen, so the exact location of the blockage can be seen. Now the real work begins.

A small balloon at the tip of the tube is inflated at the site of the blockage. This opens the narrowed, narrowed artery and allows blood flow to return to normal. Often, after the balloon is inflated and the artery is opened, a small mesh tube is inserted to keep the opening from closing again. That's what we call a ``stent.'' This stent is like a spring that is placed inside a pipe, helping to keep the artery open.

This method is used to relieve frequent chest pain (`Angina`) and to quickly open a blocked artery during a heart attack. It has a low risk of complications, and you can recover quickly and go home in as little as a day.

Second method: Coronary Bypass Surgery

This is a bit of a big operation. The word ``Bypass`` literally means "a road that goes around". Something similar happens here. Imagine there is a big traffic jam on a road, and there are no cars moving. Then what we do is build a new road, a side road, to bypass that traffic jam. That is exactly what happens in a bypass operation.

The surgeon takes a section of healthy blood vessel from your leg, arm, or chest wall.They take it. Then, they use that piece of tube to bypass the blocked artery in the heart and make the blood flow along a new path. That is, they connect this new tube above and below the blockage. Then the blood flows along this new "bypass path" instead of going through the blocked area.

Doctors call this ``Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting'' or ``CABG'' for short. Our people also call it ``cabbage surgery'' in their colloquial language.

But remember, this is a major surgery. As such, it can take weeks, even months, to recover. However, modern bypass surgeries that can be performed with smaller incisions are currently being researched.

Stent? Bypass? Which is better for you?

Now you may be wondering, "Is stenting or bypass surgery better for me?" There's no easy answer. That decision depends on many factors, including your condition, the number of blocked arteries, and their nature. Your doctor is the best person to make that decision. Let's compare the pros and cons of these two options.

Other methods of atherectomy

Very rarely, there are cases where other methods are used in addition to stents or bypasses. These involve removing the fatty layer (plaque) inside the artery.

• Rotational Atherectomy: A diamond-tipped instrument is rotated at high speed, pulverizing the hardened fatty layer.
• Directional Atherectomy: A rotating blade cuts the fatty layer, takes the pieces into a catheter, and removes them from the body.

While these methods sound good, they are not as effective as stents or bypasses. They are often used only to clear the artery a little before placing a stent.

What happens after treatment? Let's start life right again!

Therefore, after a treatment like this, you need to be more careful than before. It is essential to change your lifestyle and use the medication exactly as prescribed by the doctor.

Must-have medicine

Often, after this type of treatment, the doctor will prescribe several medications for you to take daily.

• Statin-type medications: Reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the blood.
• Aspirin: Prevents blood clotting.
• Medications like Clopidogrel, Prasugrel, Ticagrelor: These are also medications that prevent blood clots. Especially for someone who has had a stent inserted, these medications may need to be taken for a period of one month to a year.
• Blood pressure medications: especially medications like `(Beta-blockers)` and `(ACE inhibitors)`.

Must-have habits

• Exercise: Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, at least five days a week. Even walking is good.
• Good diet: Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Reduce oil, salt, and sugar.
• Avoid smoking completely: This is the most important thing. If you smoke, none of these treatments will work properly.

After these treatments, you will feel like you have a new life. These habits will definitely help you live that life healthy and happy.