Treatments & surgery What are your options?
	Diagnostic procedures A reference guide so you know what to expect
	Get the help you need After a diagnosis or heart attack, what do you do?
	Second opinion A simple program to make sure the diagnosis is right
	Prevention & education Classes, resources and more
	Ask an expert Get answers to your questions
	Contact us Have a question or can't find what you need?
	Return home Return to the cardiac services home page

Related links

	Doctors who can help Search for Aurora physicians that specialize in this field
	Related conditions   - Cardiac arrest   - Atrial fibrillation   - Cardiomyopathy   - Heart attack   - Congestive heart failure   - Heart murmur   - Pericarditis   - High blood pressure   - Angina   - Aneurysm, aortic   - Arrhythmias

Heart care treatments and surgery

Your doctor may prescribe a combination of heart care treatments. Here are some of the most common and effective.

Videos of procedures
See clips from TV pieces on heart procedures

If you are having tests or procedures done at St. Luke's, please read this before your visit.

Medications for cardiac treatment

The type of medication used to treat cardiovascular disease obviously depends on the disorder being treated and its symptoms. 

Medications are often prescribed for heart conditions. Below are some examples. For more information, visit our drug information database.

• Angina
• Arrythmia/heart rhythm disorders
• Congestive heart failure
• Coronary artery disease
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure (hypertension) 
• High cholesterol

Invasive procedures

These procedures may involve the use of a needle or catheter, but are not surgical procedures. An overnight stay at the hospital may be required, but general anesthetic is not used.

• Abdominal aortic aneurysm graft
• Ablation
• Angioplasty [ see animation of this procedure ]
• Atherectomy
• Brachytherapy
• Cardioversion
• Cardiac stents
• Implantable cardioverter defibrillator
• Pacemaker implant
• Pericardiocentesis
• Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) Closure

Surgical treatments

Surgical treatments require an incision of some kind.

• Bypass surgery and off-pump bypass surgery [ See animation of this procedure ]
• Heart transplant
• Heart valve replacement
• Microwave ablation
• Robotic surgery
• TMLR (transmyocardial laser revascularization)
• Ventricular assist device

Complementary medicine

These can make for a more relaxed environment, help manage pain by releasing endorphins (the body's natural painkillers) and decrease anxiety.

• Guided imagery
• Classes and support groups

Rehabilitation

After the treatments, recovery can often include rehabilitation. Rehabilitation is often prescribed if you have had a heart attack, heart surgery or angioplasty; have angina (chest pain); or have heart disease or are at high risk for developing heart disease.

• Cardiac rehabilitation

Copyright Aurora Health Care, a Wisconsin-based health care provider.
3000 W. Montana St., Milwaukee, WI 53215, (414) 647-3000
Disclaimer | Privacy notice | Contact us
.