What Type Of Treatment Is Available?

The first step in angina treatment is to eliminate risk factors that are likely to hasten the progression of heart disease. This means that people with angina should stop smoking, lose excess weight, eat a "heart-healthy" diet, and exercise regularly, if possible. Although physicians do not know everything about the causes of angina and atheroma (fatty deposits, or plaques, within the blood vessels), they do know enough to offer effective medical therapy. Such therapy will depend upon the results of exercise tolerance and other tests, the presence or absence of symptoms, and the individual's personal preferences. In general, most angina treatment involves medication, with or without an operative procedure such as

Angioplasty (blood vessel repair) or
Coronary artery bypass surgery (surgically made arterial pathways that bypass [go around] diseased arteries in the heart)
Individuals with angina may consider:

Smoking cessation
Weight loss and proper nutrition
Regular exercise
Medication
Surgery
Smoking cessation

If the person with angina is a smoker, the most important thing that he or she can do is to stop smoking. Smoking damages the heart in many ways. Tobacco smoke contains substances that speed up the heart, prevent oxygen from binding to the red blood cells, make the arteries tighten up, and hasten the development of atherosclerosis (gradual buildup and hardening of fatty deposits within the arterial walls). Research indicates that heart attack survivors who stop smoking live longer and have fewer complications than those who continue to smoke. Therefore, it is never too late to stop smoking! All types of cigarettes are dangerous. There is no good evidence that low-tar products are any safer than those with high tar.
Anyone who wants to quit smoking should ask a physician for help. Nicotine gum and nicotine patches can be very beneficial, especially when the individual participates in other supportive measures, such as smoking cessation programs or counseling. Weight loss and proper nutrition

Many people with angina are overweight. Weight loss is recommended, since it can:

reduce symptoms improve a person's overall sense of well-being decrease the likelihood of developing diabetes (which may lead to heart disease)

A nutritionist can help to develop a diet that is "heart-healthy," but does not take all the pleasure out of food. Most nutritional programs have the objectives of cutting down on saturated fats, while increasing polyunsaturated fats in the diet.

Eating habits generally can be improved by following a few simple steps, such as:

Eat fewer portions of Fatty dairy products (such as butter, margarine, cream, cheese). These foods are rich in saturated fatty acids. Saturated fats are a type of fat that has been linked with high cholesterol levels in the blood and also with the development of atheroma. Substitute low-fat dairy products (skim milk, low-fat cheese, etc.) whenever possible.

Red meat (such as beef, lamb)
Eat more portions of Unsaturated cooking fats (such as canola oil, sunflower oil, corn oil)
White meat (such as chicken, turkey)
Fish
Grains, cereals, fruits and vegetables