Angina Pectoris Medication

Angina Pectoris Medication

Angina pectoris is a chest pain condition caused by a sudden lack of oxygen to the heart muscle, which occurs when the heart’s oxygen demand exceeds its supply.

Angina treatment includes:

• Reducing oxygen demand:

• Anti-anginal drugs:

• Nitroglycerin:

• Mechanism: Dilates blood vessels, mainly veins, helping to re-supply blood to the heart.

• Indication: Relieving angina attacks, preventing attacks during exercise.

• Overdose: Two types: systemic vasodilation (circulatory collapse) and increased reduced Hb (cyanosis).

• Management: Use 1% methylene blue.

• Amyl Nitrite: Fast-acting, used to relieve attacks.

• Rentanitrin: Prevention, supportive treatment.

• Risordan, Covarsal: Long-acting.

• Supportive therapy:

• Beta-blockers:

• Examples: Propranolol, Timolol.

• Action: Decreases heart rate, contractility, conduction, cardiac output, and oxygen demand.

• Side effects: Bronchospasm, decreased renin secretion (hypotension), reduced lipid and sugar breakdown (hypoglycemia).

• Indication: Treating angina due to atherosclerosis.

• Contraindication: Angina due to coronary artery spasm, peptic ulcer.

• Calcium channel blockers:

• Examples: Nifedipine, Nicardipine, Nimodipine, Diltiazem, Verapamil, etc.

• Mechanism: Reduces oxygen demand (decreases contractility) and increases oxygen supply (dilates coronary arteries, dilates myocardium).

• Best indication: Angina due to coronary artery spasm.

• Common side effects: Lower limb edema, postural hypotension.

When experiencing angina, the first thing to do is:

• Reduce oxygen use by resting and decreasing physical activity.

Note:

• The above information is for reference only and does not replace advice from a medical professional.

• Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding medication use.