Treatment Options for Stable Angina

Medications to Reduce Risk

Drugs that lower the risk of future heart attacks and mortality are essential in the long-term management of stable angina. Aspirin is commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots, which can lead to heart attacks. Statins, another key class of medications, help slow the progression of arterial plaque buildup, reducing the likelihood of worsening heart disease.

Symptom Relief Medications

Medications aimed at relieving angina symptoms are equally important, especially when chest pain occurs frequently and limits physical activity. These drugs work by reducing the workload on the heart and lowering oxygen demand. Beta-blockers such as metoprolol and bisoprolol are often the first-line treatment. However, they may not be suitable for patients with bradycardia (slow heart rate).

For patients with a slower heart rate, calcium channel blockers like amlodipine offer an effective alternative. These medications help relax blood vessels and improve blood flow to the heart muscle without significantly affecting heart rate.

Combination Therapy for Better Outcomes

If a single medication proves insufficient, combination therapy may be recommended. For instance, metabolic agents like trimetazidine can be added to enhance the heart's efficiency in using oxygen. Nitrate-based vasodilators are also used to widen blood vessels and reduce angina episodes.

Interventional Procedures When Necessary

In some cases, even with stable symptoms, patients may have significant coronary artery blockages—such as severe narrowing of the left main or anterior descending artery—that require more aggressive treatment. For these individuals, interventional procedures like angioplasty with stenting can significantly improve prognosis, alleviate symptoms, reduce reliance on medications, and enhance overall quality of life.