How is angina treated?

There are several ways to treat angina, depending on its severity and the underlying cause. Common treatments include:

1. Lifestyle changes:

- Adopting a heart-healthy diet to maintain a healthy weight and reduce cholesterol

- Regular exercise as recommended by a doctor

- Quitting smoking

- Managing stress

2. Medications:

- Nitroglycerin:

- Fast-acting medication available as a spray or tablet to relieve angina attacks

- Beta-blockers:

- Reduce heart rate and blood pressure, improving blood flow.

- Examples: Atenolol, Metoprolol

- Calcium channel blockers:

- Relax blood vessels and improve blood flow

- Examples: Amlodipine, Nifedipine

3. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI):

- Also known as coronary angioplasty, this procedure involves widening narrowed or blocked arteries using a balloon and/or stent.

4. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG):

- A surgical procedure in which a healthy blood vessel is used to bypass a blocked or narrowed artery, improving blood flow to the heart.

5. Transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR):

- A surgical technique utilizing lasers to create new channels in the heart for better blood flow, typically for patients who are not candidates for PCI or CABG.

The treatment approach for angina is individualized based on a person's overall health, severity of symptoms, and response to various therapies. Consultation with a medical professional is necessary to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.