Treatment Overview
Living with angina that familiar sensation of pressure, squeezing, or pain in the chest can be a source of constant anxiety. For many, it acts as a limiting factor, turning a simple flight of stairs or a walk to the mailbox into a calculated risk. It is difficult to relax when you are worried about triggering the next episode. While angina is a symptom of underlying heart disease rather than a disease itself, it is a serious warning sign that requires attention.
Treatment is essential to relieve the pain, improve blood flow to the heart, and prevent future heart attacks. By managing the condition effectively, many people return to an active, fulfilling life without the constant fear of chest pain. Because angina stems from a mismatch between the oxygen the heart needs and the oxygen it receives, treatment plans vary. Doctors tailor medication regimens based on whether the angina is stable (predictable) or unstable, as well as the patient’s individual risk factors (American Heart Association, 2023).
Overview of treatment options for Angina
The primary goals of angina treatment are twofold: to reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms and to lower the risk of a heart attack and death. Treatment focuses on restoring the balance between oxygen supply and demand.
For most patients, medication is the foundation of therapy. Doctors use drugs to either increase blood flow to the heart or reduce the heart’s workload so it does not need as much oxygen. While lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and heart-healthy eating are critical, medications are typically required to manage the physiological aspects of the condition. Procedures like angioplasty (stenting) or bypass surgery are reserved for cases where medications are insufficient or blockages are severe.
Medications used for Angina
The first line of defense typically involves medications that lower the heart’s demand for oxygen. Beta-blockers, such as metoprolol or atenolol, are commonly prescribed for this purpose. Clinical guidelines suggest that beta-blockers are the preferred initial therapy for relieving symptoms and preventing future cardiac events in most patients.
For immediate symptom relief, nitrates are used. Nitroglycerin, available as a tablet placed under the tongue or a spray, is the standard “rescue” medication to stop an attack that is in progress. Long-acting nitrates may also be prescribed for daily prevention.
Calcium channel blockers (CCBs), such as amlodipine or diltiazem, are often used if beta-blockers are not effective or cause too many side effects. They are also the primary treatment for Prinzmetal’s (variant) angina.
In addition to symptom control, doctors prescribe medications to treat the underlying coronary artery disease. Antiplatelet drugs like aspirin or clopidogrel help prevent blood clots. Statins are universally used to lower cholesterol and stabilize plaque in the arteries. Newer medications like ranolazine may be added for chronic angina that does not respond to other treatments (Mayo Clinic, 2024).
How these medications work
Beta-blockers slow the heart rate and reduce contraction force by blocking adrenaline’s effects, thus lowering oxygen demand and preventing pain.
Nitrates and calcium channel blockers are vasodilators. Nitrates mainly relax veins, reducing the heart’s workload, and dilate coronary arteries. Calcium channel blockers relax arterial walls, increasing blood flow and lowering blood pressure. Antiplatelet medications prevent blood clots, which are crucial as clots in narrowed arteries cause heart attacks.
Side effects and safety considerations
Nitrates commonly cause throbbing headaches, flushing, or dizziness from sudden blood pressure drops. Beta-blockers can lead to fatigue, cold extremities, or slow heartbeat. Calcium channel blockers may cause ankle swelling (edema) and constipation.
A critical safety warning involves drug interactions: patients on nitrates must never take erectile dysfunction medications (like sildenafil) due to the risk of a fatal blood pressure drop. Doctors regularly monitor blood pressure and heart rate to prevent them from dropping too low. Patients should seek immediate emergency care if chest pain is prolonged, occurs at rest, or isn’t relieved by rescue medication, as this could signal a heart attack (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 2022).
Since everyone’s experience with the condition and its treatments can vary, working closely with a qualified healthcare provider helps ensure safe and effective care.
References
- American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org
- Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
- MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov
Medications for Angina
These are drugs that have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), meaning they have been determined to be safe and effective for use in Angina.