Mayo Clinic Minute: Medications versus surgery for heart patients

Do heart patients who have ischemia, or blockages in their coronary arteries that reduce blood flow to the heart need a procedure or surgery? Or are there less invasive options?

Dr. Todd Miller says traditionally these patients have been treated with stents to open blockages or coronary artery bypass surgery.

Dr. Miller says medications, such as statins to lower cholesterol, plus maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, eating a heart-healthy diet and not smoking may be what many patients need to manage their heart disease.

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