IndexDrugs DrugsAngioplasty and Coronary Artery ThrottlingCoronary Artery Bypass SurgeryAlthough nothing can prevent an impending heart attack, a quick turn of action from a bystander can help prevent heart attack death. Act immediately if someone thinks they are having a heart attack or witnesses a heart attack, it is usually evident by the sudden collapse. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Prevention is the best way to treat heart disease. Heart disease includes many conditions that affect the heart and the blood vessels surrounding it, including heart failure, angina, myocardial infarction, and cardiac arrhythmia. If these problems are diagnosed, there are steps you can take to eliminate heart disease or reduce the risks associated with medications. Medicines. Early treatment of a heart attack can prevent or limit damage to the heart muscle. By acting quickly at the first symptoms of a heart attack, you can save your life. Medical personnel can begin diagnosis and treatment even before arriving at the hospital. Some treatments are usually started immediately if a heart attack is suspected, even before confirming the conclusion. Aspirin The 911 operator may tell you to take an aspirin, or emergency medical personnel may give you aspirin right away. Aspirin reduces blood clotting, helping to maintain blood flow through a narrowed artery. Thrombolytics These drugs, also called coagulants, help dissolve a blood clot that is blocking blood flow to the heart. The sooner you receive a thrombolytic drug after a heart attack, the greater your chance of survival and with less damage to your heart. Antiplatelet agentsEmergency room doctors may prescribe other medications to help prevent new clots and keep existing clots from getting larger. These include drugs, such as clopidogrel (Plavix) and others, called platelet aggregation inhibitors. blood-thinning medications. You are likely to be given other tablets, such as heparin, to make your blood less 'sticky' and less likely to form clots. Heparin is administered intravenously or by injection under the skin. Painkillers You may be given a painkiller, such as morphine, to relieve discomfort. Nitroglycerin This medication, used to treat chest pain (angina), may help improve blood flow to the heart by widening (dilating) blood vessels. Beta blockersThese medicines help relax the heart muscle, reduce the heartbeat rate and decrease blood pressure, so that the heart's work is easier. Beta blockers can limit the amount of damage to the heart muscle and prevent future heart attacks. ACE inhibitorsThese drugs reduce blood pressure and reduce stress on the heart. Surgical and other procedures In addition to medications, you may undergo one of the following procedures to treat your heart attack: Angioplasty and coronary artery narrowing Doctors insert a long, thin tube (catheter). If you have had a heart attack, this procedure is often done immediately after a cardiac catheterization, a procedure used to locate keyholes. This catheter features a special balloon that, once in place, is briefly inflated to open a blocked coronary artery. A wire mesh stent can be inserted into the artery to keep it open long-term, securing blood flow to the heart. In case of illness, the doctor may decide to place a stent covered with a.