Guidelines Unveiled for Treating Clogged Heart Arteries

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The guidelines call for revascularization only if the potential for health and quality-of-life improvements outweigh the possible risks. People with plaque buildup in less than three arteries and little heart muscle at risk, who experience symptoms only during strenuous exercise and are not on medication are not considered candidates for revascularization. The exception would be people already on the best available heart medication to combat severe symptoms, according to the guidelines.

In addition to helping medical professionals, the guidelines could also aid health insurers by providing proper criteria so they can develop uniform policies about payment and preauthorization and perform quality reviews of medical care, according to the news release.

More information

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The U.S. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute has more about coronary revascularization procedures.

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-- Kevin McKeever