Many people do well after balloon angioplasty or bypass surgery and return to very active lives, sometimes more active than before their diagnosis. People who already have advanced heart disease with complications when they are diagnosed and those who do not change to a healthier lifestyle are least likely to do well.

Follow your doctor's advice about activity, exercise, medicine, and follow-up visits.  Lower the amount of salt, fats, and cholesterol in your diet.  Work with your doctor to control diabetes, blood pressure, or other health conditions you may have. Lose weight if you are overweight. Do not smoke.

Eating a healthy diet, staying fit with the right kind of exercise, and not smoking are the best ways to prevent CAD. Talk to your doctor about your personal and family medical history and your lifestyle habits. This will help you know your risks for coronary artery disease.

If you have a strong family history of CAD, a healthy lifestyle may slow the start of the disease and maybe even keep you from getting it. However, you must have regular checkups to keep a close watch on the health of your heart.

If you ever have chest pain symptoms, get medical attention right away.