How is angina pectoris treated?

Angina pectoris can be effectively managed through standardized treatment approaches, including lifestyle modifications, acute episode management, foundational pharmacotherapy, symptom-targeted consolidation therapy, and coronary artery surgical intervention. Angina is commonly caused by transient myocardial ischemia resulting from inadequate coronary blood supply. A stepwise, tiered intervention strategy helps alleviate chest pain, slow the progression of vascular disease, and improve long-term outcomes. If recurrent episodes of crushing chest pain or worsening chest tightness upon exertion occur, prompt medical evaluation and treatment are essential.

1. Lifestyle Modifications: Adopt a low-salt, low-fat diet; maintain regular mealtimes; limit intake of high-fat and high-sugar foods; and sustain a healthy, stable body weight. Quit smoking and abstain from alcohol. Maintain consistent sleep-wake cycles and avoid staying up late or overexertion. Manage emotional stress to minimize abrupt fluctuations, and engage in moderate, relaxing physical activity to reduce the heart’s sustained workload.

2. Acute Episode Management: During an angina attack, immediately cease all physical activity and rest quietly—either seated or lying supine—to relax the entire body. Ensure adequate ventilation in the surrounding environment and consciously slow breathing to reduce myocardial oxygen demand. These basic rest measures help relieve myocardial ischemia and alleviate associated symptoms such as chest tightness and shortness of breath.

3. Foundational Pharmacotherapy: Strictly adhere to prescribed medications—including anti-ischemic agents and lipid-lowering drugs—to stabilize coronary vascular function and enhance myocardial perfusion. Antiplatelet therapy inhibits abnormal platelet aggregation, prevents progressive atherosclerotic plaque development, and reduces the frequency of angina episodes. Long-term, consistent medication use maintains stable cardiac blood supply and lowers the risk of acute cardiovascular events.

4. Symptom-Targeted Consolidation Therapy: Address comorbid conditions such as hypertension and diabetes to comprehensively control cardiovascular risk factors. Stabilize endothelial function, improve coronary microcirculation, and alleviate coronary vasospasm. Minimize external triggers that may provoke cardiac or vascular stress, thereby consolidating therapeutic benefits and preventing recurrent angina.

5. Coronary Artery Surgical Intervention: For severe, frequently recurring angina—particularly when significant coronary stenosis is present—coronary revascularization procedures (e.g., percutaneous coronary intervention) may be indicated. Such interventions restore patency of narrowed or occluded coronary arteries, ensuring adequate myocardial blood supply and resolving refractory myocardial ischemia at its source—thereby preventing progression to acute myocardial infarction.

In daily life, practice frequent small meals, appropriately regulate exercise intensity, avoid sudden strenuous exertion, regularly monitor cardiovascular parameters, and consistently support cardiac function to minimize potential angina triggers.