How to Relieve Angina When It Occurs

When angina strikes, individuals who are familiar with their condition can often quickly recognize the chest discomfort or pain as angina. If medications are available at home, sublingual nitroglycerin or musk-containing heart pills can be taken to help alleviate symptoms. It's important to rest by sitting or lying down to reduce the heart's oxygen demand and seek medical attention promptly.

Assessing the Stability of Angina

Medical professionals will evaluate whether the angina is stable by checking for dynamic changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG) and whether cardiac troponin levels have significantly increased. These indicators help determine the stability of the coronary arteries.

What Happens If the Condition Is Unstable?

If the ECG shows dynamic changes or there's a notable rise in troponin levels, it may suggest that the coronary condition is unstable, potentially signaling a concurrent myocardial infarction. In such cases, it's crucial to thoroughly assess the vascular condition and proceed with specialized diagnostic tests and standardized medication treatments.

Treatment Options for Severe Coronary Artery Disease

For patients experiencing severe coronary artery disease, aggressive treatment strategies may be necessary. This could include the use of antiplatelet drugs or the addition of lipid-lowering medications depending on the patient's cholesterol levels. In situations where the blockage is significant and meets the criteria for stent placement, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) may be recommended as an effective treatment option.