Best Medications for Treating Angina

When experiencing an angina attack, it's crucial to stop all physical activity immediately and rest. Sublingual nitroglycerin or aspirin can be taken to help relieve symptoms quickly. However, these measures are only temporary, and seeking professional medical evaluation is essential.

Accurate Diagnosis is Key

To properly diagnose angina and determine its underlying cause, medical tests such as electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, or coronary angiography are highly recommended. These diagnostic tools provide the most accurate assessment of coronary artery disease (CAD) and help doctors develop an effective treatment plan tailored to the patient's specific condition.

Managing Stable Angina

For patients with stable angina, the primary treatment goals are to improve blood flow to the heart muscle and reduce myocardial oxygen demand. This can be achieved through a combination of medications and lifestyle modifications. It's also vital to address underlying coronary artery atherosclerosis to reduce the risk of heart attack and sudden cardiac events.

Effective Treatment Approaches

In many cases, stable angina can be well-managed with lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and stress reduction, along with prescribed medications. However, for unstable angina—where symptoms worsen, change in pattern, or increase in intensity—immediate medical attention is required to prevent life-threatening complications like heart attack.

When Medication Isn't Enough

If angina symptoms persist despite optimal medical therapy, interventional or surgical options may be considered. These include percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), commonly known as stent placement, or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), often referred to as bypass surgery. The choice between these procedures depends on the severity and location of blockages, as well as the patient's overall health. A cardiologist or cardiac surgeon will recommend the most appropriate option.

Understanding Variant Angina

Variant angina, also known as Prinzmetal's angina, is caused by coronary artery spasm rather than blockage. Management focuses on lifestyle improvements and medications that relax blood vessels. During an acute episode marked by chest tightness or pain—especially behind the breastbone or in the chest area—patients should rest immediately and use nitroglycerin in tablet or spray form.

Emergency Response

If symptoms don't improve within 10 minutes of nitroglycerin use, emergency medical services should be contacted immediately. Prolonged or unrelieved chest pain could signal a heart attack, and only trained medical professionals can provide the necessary care in such situations.