What Are the Treatments for Angina?

Chest pain, or angina, is often an indicator of a serious medical issue. Deciding whether to go a surgical route or stick to oral medications for treatment is something you will need to discuss with your doctor, but knowing some of the benefits of different treatments could help you decide what you'd like to do.

Angioplasty and Stenting

• Often angina is caused by narrowed arteries and is an indicator that the heart is working too hard for its oxygen supply. According to the Mayo Clinic, one option to open up the arteries is to use angioplasty, which is a surgical method of inserting a tiny balloon into the artery and then using a metal spring called a stent to prop it open to keep the artery from re-closing.

  While angioplasty and stenting are effective, it also carries some risks such as heart attack during the procedure or blockages forming at the site of the stent insertion. Angioplasty is also an expensive procedure.

Aspirin

• Aspirin is often referred to as the miracle drug for its many uses and great benefits. Aspirin does is prevent the blood from clotting. This blood-thinning property makes it a good choice for angina treatment caused by narrowed arteries because it helps the blood flow more easily, lowering the pressure put on the heart and the arteries.

Nitrates

• Nitrates relax and widen blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow to the heart muscle. The most common form of nitrate is a nitroglycerine tablet that is placed under the tongue. These tablets dissolve quickly and may cause headaches and restlessness, but are very effective when taken at the first sign of angina.

Beta Blockers

• Beta-blockers work by blocking the effects of the hormone epinephrine (adrenaline), according to the Mayo Clinic. This helps with angina by causing the heart to beat with less force and lower blood pressure, as well as open up the arteries to allow for improved blood flow. Statins, calcium channel blockers and ACE inhibitors are also sometimes used to treat angina in the same way.

Lifestyle Changes

• An important part to heart health in general is living a lifestyle with a well-balanced diet and regular exercise. Avoiding stress, not smoking, keeping at a healthy weight and properly dealing with underlying conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol are equally as important in maintaining good heart health. This all reduced the occurrence of angina, according to the Mayo Clinic.