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 

  1. American Heart Association. https://www.heart.org 
  1. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org 
  1. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov 
  1. 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.

Found 14 Approved Drugs for Angina

Procardia

Generic Name
NIFEdipine

Procardia

Generic Name
NIFEdipine
I. Vasospastic Angina Nifedipine Extended-Release Tablets, USP are indicated for the management of vasospastic angina confirmed by any of the following criteria: 1) classical pattern of angina at rest accompanied by ST segment elevation, 2) angina or coronary artery spasm provoked by ergonovine, or 3) angiographically demonstrated coronary artery spasm. In those patients who have had angiography, the presence of significant fixed obstructive disease is not incompatible with the diagnosis of vasospastic angina, provided that the above criteria are satisfied. Nifedipine Extended-Release Tablets, USP may also be used where the clinical presentation suggests a possible vasospastic component, but where vasospasm has not been confirmed, e.g., where pain has a variable threshold on exertion, or in unstable angina where electrocardiographic findings are compatible with intermittent vasospasm, or when angina is refractory to nitrates and/or adequate doses of beta blockers. II. Chronic Stable Angina (Classical Effort-Associated Angina) Nifedipine Extended-Release Tablets, USP are indicated for the management of chronic stable angina (effort-associated angina) without evidence of vasospasm in patients who remain symptomatic despite adequate doses of beta blockers and/or organic nitrates or who cannot tolerate those agents. In chronic stable angina (effort-associated angina), nifedipine has been effective in controlled trials of up to eight weeks duration in reducing angina frequency and increasing exercise tolerance, but confirmation of sustained effectiveness and evaluation of long-term safety in these patients is incomplete. Controlled studies in small numbers of patients suggest concomitant use of nifedipine and beta-blocking agents may be beneficial in patients with chronic stable angina, but available information is not sufficient to predict with confidence the effects of concurrent treatment, especially in patients with compromised left ventricular function or cardiac conduction abnormalities. When introducing such concomitant therapy, care must be taken to monitor blood pressure closely, since severe hypotension can occur from the combined effects of the drugs. III. Hypertension Nifedipine Extended-Release Tablets, USP are indicated for the treatment of hypertension, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions. These benefits have been seen in controlled trials of antihypertensive drugs from a wide variety of pharmacologic classes including Nifedipine Extended-Release Tablets, USP. Control of high blood pressure should be part of comprehensive cardiovascular risk management, including, as appropriate, lipid control, diabetes management, antithrombotic therapy, smoking cessation, exercise, and limited sodium intake. Many patients will require more than one drug to achieve blood pressure goals. For specific advice on goals and management, see published guidelines, such as those of the National High Blood Pressure Education Program’s Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC). Numerous antihypertensive drugs, from a variety of pharmacologic classes and with different mechanisms of action, have been shown in randomized controlled trials to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, and it can be concluded that it is blood pressure reduction, and not some other pharmacologic property of the drugs, that is largely responsible for those benefits. The largest and most consistent cardiovascular outcome benefit has been a reduction in the risk of stroke, but reductions in myocardial infarction and cardiovascular mortality also have been seen regularly. Elevated systolic or diastolic pressure causes increased cardiovascular risk, and the absolute risk increase per mmHg is greater at higher blood pressures, so that even modest reductions of severe hypertension can provide substantial benefit. Relative risk reduction from blood pressure reduction is similar across populations with varying absolute risk, so the absolute benefit is greater in patients who are at higher risk independent of their hypertension (for example, patients with diabetes or hyperlipidemia), and such patients would be expected to benefit from more aggressive treatment to a lower blood pressure goal. Some antihypertensive drugs have smaller blood pressure effects (as monotherapy) in black patients, and many antihypertensive drugs have additional approved indications and effects (e.g., on angina, heart failure, or diabetic kidney disease). These considerations may guide selection of therapy. Nifedipine Extended-Release Tablets, USP may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents.

Isosorbide

Brand Names
BiDil, Isordil Titradose

Isosorbide

Brand Names
BiDil, Isordil Titradose
Isosorbide dinitrate tablets are indicated for the prevention of angina pectoris due to coronary artery disease. The onset of action of immediate-release oral isosorbide dinitrate is not sufficiently rapid for this product to be useful in aborting an acute anginal episode.

Verapamil

Brand Names
Verapamil HCI, Trandolapril, Verelan

Verapamil

Brand Names
Verapamil HCI, Trandolapril, Verelan
Verapamil hydrochloride injection, USP is indicated for the following: Rapid conversion to sinus rhythm of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias, including those associated with accessory bypass tracts (Wolff-Parkinson-White [W-P-W] and Lown-Ganong- Levine [L-G-L] syndromes). When clinically advisable, appropriate vagal maneuvers (e.g., Valsalva maneuver) should be attempted prior to verapamil hydrochloride administration. Temporary control of rapid ventricular rate in atrial flutter or atrial fibrillation except when the atrial flutter and/or atrial fibrillation are associated with accessory bypass tracts (Wolff-Parkinson-White (W-P-W) and Lown-Ganong-Levine (L-G-L) syndromes). In controlled studies in the United States, about 60% of patients with supraventricular tachycardia converted to normal sinus rhythm within 10 minutes after intravenous verapamil hydrochloride. Uncontrolled studies reported in the world literature describe a conversion rate of about 80%. About 70% of patients with atrial flutter and/or fibrillation with a faster ventricular rate respond with a decrease in ventricular rate of at least 20%. Conversion of atrial flutter or fibrillation to sinus rhythm is uncommon (about 10%) after verapamil hydrochloride and may reflect the spontaneous conversion rate, since the conversion rate after placebo was similar. Slowing of the ventricular rate in patients with atrial fibrillation/flutter lasts 30 to 60 minutes after a single injection. Because a small fraction (<1.0%) of patients treated with verapamil hydrochloride respond with life-threatening adverse responses (rapid ventricular rate in atrial flutter/fibrillation and an accessory bypass tract, marked hypotension, or extreme bradycardia/asystole-see CONTRAINDICATIONS and WARNINGS ), the initial use of verapamil hydrochloride injection should, if possible, be in a treatment setting with monitoring and resuscitation facilities, including D.C.-cardioversion capability. As familiarity with the patient's response is gained, use in an office setting may be acceptable. Cardioversion has been used safely and effectively after verapamil hydrochloride injection.

Diltiazem

Brand Names
Matzim, Cardizem, Tiadylt, Tiazac, Cartia XT, Diltiazem HCI

Diltiazem

Brand Names
Matzim, Cardizem, Tiadylt, Tiazac, Cartia XT, Diltiazem HCI
Diltiazem Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablet is a nondihydropyridine calcium channel blocker indicated for: treatment of hypertension, to lower blood pressure. Lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events, primarily strokes and myocardial infarctions. It can be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensives.

Atorvastatin

Brand Names
Lipitor, Lotrel, Katerzia, Amlodipine, Benazepril, Amlodipine Besylate, Azor, Caduet, Norliqva, Atorvaliq, Lotensin, Olmesartan Medoxomil, Benicar, Tribenzor, Olmesartan Medoxomil Amlodipine, Norvasc

Atorvastatin

Brand Names
Lipitor, Lotrel, Katerzia, Amlodipine, Benazepril, Amlodipine Besylate, Azor, Caduet, Norliqva, Atorvaliq, Lotensin, Olmesartan Medoxomil, Benicar, Tribenzor, Olmesartan Medoxomil Amlodipine, Norvasc
Atorvastatin calcium tablets are indicated: To reduce the risk of: Myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, revascularization procedures, and angina in adults with multiple risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) but without clinically evident CHD MI and stroke in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus with multiple risk factors for CHD but without clinically evident CHD Non-fatal MI, fatal and non-fatal stroke, revascularization procedures, hospitalization for congestive heart failure, and angina in adults with clinically evident CHD As an adjunct to diet to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in: Adults with primary hyperlipidemia. Adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). As an adjunct to other LDL-C-lowering therapies, or alone if such treatments are unavailable, to reduce LDL-C in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). As an adjunct to diet for the treatment of adults with: Primary dysbetalipoproteinemia Hypertriglyceridemia Atorvastatin calcium is an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) indicated ( 1 ): To reduce the risk of: Myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, revascularization procedures, and angina in adults with multiple risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD) but without clinically evident CHD. MI and stroke in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus with multiple risk factors for CHD but without clinically evident CHD. Non-fatal MI, fatal and non-fatal stroke, revascularization procedures, hospitalization for congestive heart failure, and angina in adults with clinically evident CHD. As an adjunct to diet to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) in: Adults with primary hyperlipidemia. Adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). As an adjunct to other LDL-C-lowering therapies to reduce LDL-C in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. As an adjunct to diet for the treatment of adults with: Primary dysbetalipoproteinemia. Hypertriglyceridemia.
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