A variety of medicines are now available for the treatment of angina. There are five main types of medication, which help to control symptoms and increase blood flow to the heart muscle: |
- Aspirin.
- Nitrates.
- Beta-blockers.
- Calcium channel blockers.
- Statin drugs.
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In addition, a physician may prescribe medicine for conditions such as high blood pressure (hypertension), arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm), high cholesterol, or other disorders (for example, lung disease) that can contribute to heart disease.
Nitrates - such as nitroglycerin - have been used to treat angina for many years. Nitrates open up the arteries, improving blood flow to the heart and the rest of the body. This makes the heart's work easier, since it can pump blood without as much resistance from narrow blood vessels. The reduced workload makes it less likely that angina will occur. |
Nitrate medications comes in a variety of forms: |
- Pills that dissolve under the tongue
- Pills that are swallowed
- Mouth sprays
- Ointments or creams
- Skin patches or plasters
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Nitroglycerin often is administered as a pill that is placed under the tongue. The medication passes rapidly into the bloodstream and relieves angina symptoms within a few minutes. The individual may feel a "tingle" under the tongue and a slight "fullness" in the head, which indicates that the blood vessels are opening up.
Nitroglycerin is used for sudden attacks of angina . It is also used as a preventive medicine to be taken before an individual engages in an activity known to bring on an attack. |
How to take nitroglycerin tablets for sudden angina |
- Take one tablet as soon as angina-related discomfort occurs.
- Wait five minutes. If discomfort does not go away, take a second tablet.
- Wait five minutes.
- If the discomfort persists, take a third tablet.
- Wait five minutes.
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If after taking three tablets in 15 minutes discomfort continues, go to the hospital immediately. Long-lasting discomfort that does not go away after 15 minutes may signal an approaching heart attack
Nitrates may cause headaches and faintness especially when first used, although these side effects usually diminish over time. |
