How Angina Is Treated Your Guide to Available Options

Angina chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart can range from a manageable condition to a medical emergency. Stable angina tends to occur with exertion or stress, while unstable angina appears unexpectedly, even at rest, and requires immediate care. Knowing the available treatment options can help you work with your healthcare provider to manage symptoms and lower your risk of serious complications.

Stable vs. Unstable Angina

• Stable angina: Predictable pain brought on by activity or stress; typically lasts a few minutes and improves with rest or medication.

• Unstable angina: Sudden pain at rest or worsening chest pain; requires calling 911 immediately.

Lifestyle Changes

Managing angina starts with improving heart health through daily habits:

• Quit smoking to protect blood vessels.

• Limit alcohol to recommended amounts (1 drink per day for women, 2 for men).

• Manage stress with relaxation techniques.

• Eat a heart-healthy diet to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

• Maintain a healthy weight through balanced eating and regular activity.

• Exercise safely with your provider’s guidance.

Medications

Your provider may recommend one or more of the following:

• Nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin) to relax blood vessels and improve blood flow.

• Beta-blockers to slow heart rate and reduce strain.

• Calcium channel blockers for those unable to take beta-blockers.

• Statins to lower cholesterol.

• Blood thinners and antiplatelets to reduce clot risk.

Cardiac Rehabilitation

A structured program that combines supervised exercise, nutrition counseling, and stress management, cardiac rehab can improve quality of life and lower the risk of future heart problems by nearly 30%.

Procedures and Surgery

When arteries are significantly narrowed or blocked, procedures may be necessary:

• Angioplasty (PCI): A catheter-based technique to open narrowed arteries, sometimes with a stent placement.

• Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG): Surgery to reroute blood flow around a blockage.

• Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP): A noninvasive therapy using inflatable cuffs on the legs to boost blood flow to the heart.

Choosing the Right Treatment

The best approach depends on whether your angina is stable or unstable, along with your overall health, symptoms, and personal preferences. Always seek urgent medical attention if you experience chest pain at rest, worsening symptoms, or new discomfort that doesn’t improve.

Angina can often be managed successfully with the right combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and, when needed, medical procedures. Early detection and proactive treatment are key to preventing heart attacks and protecting long-term health.

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