Final answer:
Blocked arteries can be treated through lifestyle changes, medications, and various surgical procedures such as angioplasty, endarterectomy, and coronary bypass surgery, which uses harvested vessels to create a detour around the blockage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Treatment of Blocked Blood Vessels
When it comes to repairing clogged arteries, several treatments are available depending on the severity of the blockage and the patient’s overall health. Lifestyle changes are fundamental, and they typically include weight loss, smoking cessation, engaging in regular exercise, and following a diet that is low in sodium and saturated fats. Medications to manage cholesterol and blood pressure may be prescribed to further mitigate the risk of atherosclerosis.
Surgical interventions become necessary when arteries are significantly blocked. Angioplasty uses a balloon-tipped catheter to widen the affected vessel, followed by the placement of a stent to keep it open. In cases of extreme blockage, an endarterectomy may be performed to surgically remove plaque from the vessel, often in the carotid arteries. The most invasive procedure, coronary bypass surgery, involves taking a healthy blood vessel from another part of the body or a synthetic vessel and grafting it to detour blood around the blocked artery.
Coronary bypass surgery is an effective treatment for those experiencing a myocardial infarction (MI), but it is not associated with increased longevity. Non-surgical treatment options focusing on diet, exercise, and medication are equally effective in managing the condition over the long term.