How long does blood pressure medication take to work for angina?

Depending on the medicine, treatment can lower blood pressure, slow the heart or reduce the force of each heartbeat. These effects can lessen the heart’s oxygen demand, but they may not stop an episode that is happening now. Your prescriber may need to adjust the dose or combine treatments after checking symptoms, pulse and blood pressure.

Take the medicine at the prescribed time and keep a record of chest discomfort, activity, duration and any associated symptoms. Do not stop suddenly or change the dose because you feel better. Ask which medicine is intended for daily prevention and which treatment is your immediate angina plan. Rise slowly if you feel dizzy.

Call emergency services for chest pressure or pain that is severe, new, occurs at rest, lasts longer than expected, or comes with breathlessness, sweating, nausea, fainting or pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back. Do not drive yourself. Repeated episodes despite treatment also need prompt medical review.

Ask when your particular medicine should be reviewed, what blood pressure or pulse changes matter, what to do during an episode, and which side effects warrant a call.