What medications are used to treat angina pectoris?

Angina pectoris refers to a sudden, transient episode of myocardial ischemia and hypoxia caused by inadequate coronary blood flow to meet the heart’s metabolic demands. So, what medications are used to treat angina? Let’s explore this together.

Medications for Treating Angina Pectoris

Drugs used in the treatment of angina fall into two main categories: anti-ischemic agents and medications that prevent myocardial infarction and improve long-term prognosis. Common anti-ischemic agents include calcium channel blockers (e.g., nifedipine, flunarizine), nitrates (e.g., isosorbide dinitrate, nitroglycerin), and beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol, bisoprolol).

Medications aimed at preventing myocardial infarction and improving prognosis include antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (e.g., enalapril), and lipid-lowering agents (e.g., atorvastatin). For unstable angina, anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, rivaroxaban) are additionally recommended. However, it is important to note that beta-blockers are contraindicated in patients with variant (Prinzmetal’s) angina.

Clinical Symptoms of Angina Pectoris

During an angina attack, patients may experience a sharp, dull, or constricting pain behind the sternum or in the precordial region. This pain may radiate to the inner aspect of the left arm, index finger, ring finger, left shoulder, jaw, or pharynx. Some patients may report symptoms such as throat tightness, toothache, or pharyngeal discomfort. Others may experience only a sensation of chest tightness or pressure without overt pain. The pain is typically poorly localized and lasts 3–5 minutes, rarely exceeding 30 minutes.

Patients are advised to consume fresh fruits rich in vitamin C—such as apples, grapes, lemons, and oranges—in their daily diet. They should limit intake of high-fat foods, including chicken liver, egg yolks, crab roe, fried foods, fish roe, and cream. Smoking and alcohol consumption must be avoided. Patients should ensure adequate rest, reside in a quiet environment, adopt a pattern of small, frequent meals, and strictly avoid overeating or binge eating. Depending on individual tolerance, moderate physical activity is encouraged—such as aerobics, yoga, or tai chi—but exercise intensity should remain low to moderate.

The above provides an overview of medications used to treat angina pectoris. We hope this information is helpful to you.