Heart Health

Treating heart attacks: Changes from Eisenhower’s era to the present day

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In the 1950s, doctors offered mainly morphine and bed rest — a far cry from the many procedures and medications provided today.

Eisenhower's treatment also reveals the stark contrast with how doctors approach heart disease today, some 65 years later. "It's amazing how much cardiovascular medicine has progressed during the lifetimes of people who are still walking around today," says Dr. Lee, former editor in chief of the Harvard Heart Letter. Highlights of these advances include better procedures, medications, and targeted advice about lifestyle habits.

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