When diet and lifestyle changes aren't enough, doctors will prescribe medications to combat cholesterol.

High blood pressure or hypertension is a lifelong condition. It cannot be cured, but it can be successfully managed by making careful lifestyle choices and in some cases, adding prescription medications to the mix. These medications, known as antihypertensives, represent a lifetime commitment to managing blood pressure. If your doctor recommends adding one of these treatments to your blood pressure therapy, discuss your options carefully.

Each year, approximately 1.2 million Americans suffer a heart attack. Of those 1.2 million, 400,000 will not survive the event. There are steps you can take to improve your chance of survival in the unfortunate event you find yourself or a loved one battling a heart attack.

Also called myocardial infarction, coronary thrombosis, or coronary occlusion, heart attack is characterized by the death of or damage to part of the heart muscle. Such damage occurs if blood flow is blocked by build up on artery walls or a blood clot which cuts off the heart's oxygen supply. Heart attack leaves the heart weakened and unable to properly pump blood to the rest of the body.

Heart attack deals a devastating medical blow. It can rob its victims of health and their sense of security. However, recovery is possible in many cases. The process requires detailed planning and long-term dedication, but is well worth the sacrifice. With medical advances and carefully structured cardiac rehabilitation programs, patients can eventually return to normal activity.

Most hospital stays after heart attack last a few days to a week. The same care and treatment given in the hospital should be continued at home. Heart attack sufferers should slowly ease back into work, exercise, and other normal activities under the guidance of their physicians. Returning to previous levels of activity may take a few weeks, or it may take a few months.