While some people can control angina pectoris simply by making lifestyle changes, others will need to take medication as well. Drug therapy is used to: - relieve pain during an angina attack
- treat underlying heart disease
- help prevent more serious complications.
The main drugs used to treat angina are described below. Nitrates are drugs that relax and widen the blood vessels to allow more blood to flow to the heart, making it easier for the heart to pump blood around the body. Nitrates have been used to treat angina for more than 100 years. These drugs are available in both short- and long-acting forms. Short-acting nitrates are taken if an attack is expected to occur (for example, if the person is about to exercise) or if an attack has just begun. They are taken as a tablet that dissolves under the tongue or as a spray. Long-acting nitrates on the other hand, are used to treat angina in the longer-term and aim to prevent attacks from happening. These drugs are taken on a daily basis as tablets, ointments, or skin patches. Beta-blockers reduce the effects of nerve impulses and stress hormones to the heart and blood vessels, and lower heart rate and blood pressure. They prevent angina attacks and treat any underlying coronary artery disease. Calcium channel blockers stop calcium from entering the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. This helps blood vessels to relax so more blood flows to the heart, thereby reducing angina symptoms. Calcium-channel blockers also reduce blood pressure. Antiplatelet drugs help prevent blood cells called platelets from sticking together and forming blood clots in the coronary arteries and other blood vessels. In people with angina, antiplatelet drugs can help to reduce the risk of heart attacks. High blood cholesterol levels are an important risk factor for heart disease and lowing these can help to reduce the frequency of angina attacks.
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