Angina therapies: medicines, procedures and daily management

A treatment plan may combine medicines, changes to daily habits and, when narrowed heart arteries require it, a procedure to improve blood flow. The right combination depends on the type of angina, symptom pattern, test findings and other health conditions.

Fast-acting nitrate medicine may be prescribed for an angina episode. Other medicines can reduce the heart's workload, control blood pressure, prevent blood clots or lower cholesterol. These medicines serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.

If symptoms continue despite suitable medicines, a cardiologist may assess whether angioplasty with a stent or coronary bypass surgery could improve blood supply. An electrocardiogram and other heart tests help classify the problem; an ECG alone does not decide every treatment choice.

Take prescribed medicines on schedule and learn exactly how to use any rescue medicine. Keep it accessible, check its storage instructions and follow the action plan given by your clinician. Do not stop heart or blood-pressure medicines suddenly unless the prescriber directs you.

Record when discomfort occurs, what you were doing, how long it lasted and whether the prescribed medicine helped. Bring the record and a current medicine list to appointments. Physical activity, smoking cessation, sleep, food choices and control of diabetes or hypertension can all form part of care.

Call UAE emergency services immediately for new, severe or persistent chest pressure, or discomfort accompanied by breathlessness, faintness, sweating, nausea, or pain spreading to the arm, jaw, back or shoulder. Do not drive yourself.

Treat pain that is different from your usual pattern, happens at rest, is becoming more frequent or does not settle as your emergency plan says as urgent. While awaiting help, follow the rescue instructions already provided to you; do not take another person's medicine.

Ask which type of angina you have, what each medicine is intended to do, which side effects require a call and what symptoms should trigger emergency help. Also clarify safe activity levels, possible medicine interactions and when your response to treatment will be reassessed.