Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTreatment OptionsLifestyle ChangesMedicationsTherapiesProcedures and SurgeryStable vs. Unstable TreatmentsChoosing the Right Treatment
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Treatment Options
Lifestyle Changes
Medications
Therapies
Procedures and Surgery
Stable vs. Unstable Treatments
Choosing the Right Treatment
Anginais a medical term used to describe chest pain or discomfort due tocoronary artery disease(CAD). It is classified as eitherstable anginaorunstable angina.
Stable angina comes and goes with stress and activity and can be treated with medication, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, surgery. Unstable angina is a medical emergency that must be treated immediately.
This article will discuss angina treatment options and the differences between angina types.
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Angina Treatment Options
Angina treatment aims at reducing the frequency of episodes and reducing symptom severity. By managing angina, there is also a decreased risk ofheart attackand death. Angina treatments can include:
Unstable Angina Is a Medical EmergencyUnstable angina is unexpected chest pain or chest pain at rest. It occurs when the coronary arteries are narrowed and cannot get enough blood to the heart muscle. This is a medical emergency. Call 911 and get to an emergency room right away.
Unstable Angina Is a Medical Emergency
Unstable angina is unexpected chest pain or chest pain at rest. It occurs when the coronary arteries are narrowed and cannot get enough blood to the heart muscle. This is a medical emergency. Call 911 and get to an emergency room right away.
Angina is one of the symptoms of coronary artery disease (CAD).Lifestyle changescan be made to manage angina. These lifestyle changes are:
People who have angina will likely need to take medication to help manage their symptoms. These include:
Other medications someone might take if they have angina arestatins, blood thinners, and antiplatelet medications. Statins lower cholesterol, Blood thinners and antiplatelet medications reduce the risk of blood clots that can cause stroke or heart attack.
When a coronary artery is narrowed or occluded, it cannot provide adequate blood flow to the heart. Some procedures or surgeries can be done to restore blood flow in these cases.
Angioplasty, or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), is a procedure that uses cardiac catheterization to open the narrowed arteries. A healthcare provider may use a stent during the procedure to keep the coronary artery open. While it is an invasive procedure, it is less invasive than surgery.
Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP)is a noninvasive treatment that can reduce the number of episodes and severity of angina. Several inflatable cuffs are wrapped around the lower legs, upper legs, and around the hips and buttocks. The cuffs inflate and deflate in sequence with each heartbeat to increase blood return to the heart.
EECP treatment is done over the course of seven weeks with one treatment for five days per week.
Stable vs. Unstable Angina Treatment: What’s the Difference?
Stable and unstable angina are similar yet different conditions requiring different treatments.
Stable angina is caused when the blood vessels that feed the heart muscle (coronary arteries) are narrowed and the heart is not getting enough blood flow. When the heart needs more blood flow than it is receiving, angina symptoms can result.
Stable angina symptoms are relieved when the activity causing the symptoms (like exercising) is stopped. Angina episodes tend to be similar and usually don’t last more than five minutes.Stable angina treatment involves medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery to prevent complications like a heart attack.
How to Decide the Right Angina Treatment for You
Angina treatment will depend on several different factors. First, a healthcare provider will need to determine if the angina is unstable or stable. This will guide the healthcare provider toward certain treatment options.
Treatment is not only based on the type of angina but also on the person’s symptoms and preferences. A healthcare provider will look at the person’s age, risk factors, and overall health. It’s important to communicate your wishes with your healthcare provider to ensure you receive the care you want.
Summary
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Health Association.Angina pectoris (stable angina).
American Heart Association.Unstable angina.
MedlinePlus.Living with heart disease and angina.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Living with angina.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Angina (chest pain) treatment.
American Heart Association.FACTS cardiac rehab.
University of Michigan Health.EECP (enhanced external counter pulsation) treatment.
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