Read up on Angina, stable treatment options at Consumer Reports Health.

Angina, stable

Key points about treatments

Angina is the discomfort or pain you feel, usually in your chest, when your heart isn't getting enough oxygen. Typically, you get angina when you do something active, and it goes away when you rest.

Here we look at treatments for the most common type of angina. Doctors call this stable angina because it has a regular pattern to it. We also have a section on unstable angina.

There are good treatments that can relieve the discomfort or pain of an angina attack, cut your number of attacks and help you get on with your life. Your doctor will also suggest treatments to stop your angina and heart disease from getting worse and to lower your chances of having a heart attack.

Key points about treating angina

Pills or a spray you put under your tongue can give you quick relief from an angina attack. This medication is called nitroglycerin (NTG for short).
If you plan to do something that usually brings on your angina, you can take this medication first to prevent an attack.
If you get angina often or it bothers you a lot, you'll need to take pills regularly to keep the symptoms at bay.
Drugs called beta-blockers can help you have fewer angina attacks and stay active. They are usually the first treatment doctors give for stable angina.
Two other types of drugs called calcium channel blockers and nitrates also work for angina.
If you still have symptoms while taking one drug, your doctor may recommend taking a second drug as well. For many people, taking two medications works better than taking just one.
To keep angina attacks from coming on, you'll also need to learn to slow down, to avoid too much exercise and large meals, and to handle stress. For more, see What you can do to help yourself.

This information was last updated on Apr 14, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
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