Treatment options
Antianginal medication
According to the American College of Cardiology Guidelines, several types of medications
are recommended for treating patients with chronic angina:6
- Nitrates (nitroglycerin)
- Nitrates relax and widen blood vessels. This allows more oxygen-rich blood
to flow to the heart.6
- Beta-blockers
- Beta-blockers are used to slow the heart rate and reduce blood pressure. When
heart rate and blood pressure are reduced, the heart does not work as hard and needs
less oxygen.6
- Calcium channel blockers
- Calcium channel blockers interfere with calcium's role in the contraction
of the heart and blood vessel muscles, which causes them to relax and require less oxygen.6
Today, there are additional antianginal medications available. Be sure to speak
with your cardiologist about which medical therapy is right for you.
It is important to speak to your cardiologist about your angina and discuss any
changes in your angina attacks throughout treatment. Be sure to speak to your cardiologist
about any side effects that you experience during treatment.
Medical procedures
Depending on your angina and medical history, your cardiologist may recommend medications
as well as a medical procedure to treat your angina.
- Bypass surgery
With bypass surgery your surgeon will take healthy arteries or veins from
other parts of your body (usually your arm or leg) and use these to redirect blood
around the narrowed arteries leading to your heart. Bypass surgery can help to improve
blood flow to the heart and relieve chest pain.2
- Stenting/Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI)
Another option is angioplasty or stenting. During this procedure a thin tube
with a balloon is used to push open the walls of the artery. Your doctor may also
place a stent in your artery to hold it open after the procedure is over. Angioplasty
and stent placement help to increase the amount of oxygen-rich blood flowing to
your heart. This can in turn relieve chest pain.2
-
Bypass surgery and angioplasty do help to eliminate chronic angina in some patients.
However, studies have shown that significant percentages of patients who undergo
bypass or angioplasty still experience angina one to five years after the procedure.
If your doctor suggests a procedure, discuss risks, benefits, and possible alternatives
before making your decision.10
Talk to your doctor to determine which treatment options are best for you based
on your symptoms and medical history.
