Angina treatment
Angina is not a disease but a symptom that accompanies an underlying heart disease mostly CHD (coronary heart disease). It is often characterized by discomfort or chest pains resulting from inadequate supply of oxygen rich blood to any of the heart muscles due to artery blockages. This condition is commonly known as angina pectoris. Angina usually feels like squeezing or pressure in the chest. The pain might also occur in the arms, neck, shoulders, back or jaw. There are a wide variety of angina treatment options. However, in order to settle on an accurate treatment for angina it is important for a doctor to determine the type of angina that one is suffering from.
Basically, there are two major types of angina. These are unstable angina and chronic stable angina. Unstable angina is a bit serious and hence calls for emergency treatment. Its treatment method involves a surgical procedure referred to as angioplasty or percutaneous coronary intervention which is accompanied by placement of a stent (small metal tube) into blocked arteries. During angioplasty, a tiny balloon is inserted into the narrowed or blocked artery using a catheter. The stent is then inserted into the artery to prevent further blockage. Some of the stents are just bare metal whereas others have medication coatings that keep the artery open.
Stable angina on the other hand does not necessarily require angioplasty and stenting. It can be treated using medication or through natural means that involve lifestyle changes. Some of the medications that are used in angina treatment include:
Aspirin: Aspirin prevents blood clotting hence allowing smooth blood flow through narrowed arteries. Aspirin is very effective in reducing the risk of a heart attack.Nitrates: Nitrates such as nitroglycerin tablets promote relaxation as well as widening of blood vessels hence promoting smooth blood flow in one’s arteries. Nitrates can be taken by people with angina pectoris related discomforts just before engaging in an activity that can trigger angina, for instance physical exertion. They can also be taken on long term basis for preventive purposes.Beta blockers: Beta blockers block adrenaline or epinephrine effects promoting slow heart beat hence reducing blood pressure. They also promote relaxation of blood vessels to improve smooth blood flow hence preventing angina.Statins: Statins lower the level of blood cholesterol by blocking the substance that the body requires in making cholesterol. They also promote re-absorption of cholesterol accumulated on artery walls preventing blood vessel blockages.Other medications include calcium channel blockers, ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors and ranolazine (renexa) anti aging medication.
Other than medication, are various natural methods of angina treatment involving lifestyle changes that doctors recommend regardless of the type of the treatment of angina that one settles on. Such lifestyle changes reduce one’s heart disease risk factors considering that heart diseases are major underlying causes of angina forms. These lifestyle changes include;
Quitting smokingEating a healthy diet. This should mainly consist vegetables and fruits, whole grains and should be limited in the levels of saturates fats.Physical activity. Consult a doctor about adopting an exercise plan that is safe. Since angina usually results from exertion it is important for one to take rest breaks as well as pace themselves up. Weight loss and stress reduction. It’s important to consult a doctor about the best option for weight loss and stress reduction.Treatment of the underlying condition. Treating the underlying conditions such as stress, obesity, atherosclerosis and heart diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and diabetes reduces the risk of angina
In order for any of the above forms of angina treatment to be effective it is most important that you first consult your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.