Drugs that Reduce Angina Pain
Angina occurs when the heart muscle does not receive a sufficient amount of oxygen in blood, which typically results in chest pain. This discomfort characteristic of angina may also feel like indigestion. Angina is a symptom of the most common type of heart disease, coronary artery disease. This condition develops when plaque buildup occurs in the coronary arteries, which is known as atherosclerosis. The plaque buildup leads to narrowing and stiffening of the arteries, thereby causing a reduced blood flow to the heart. The result is a decrease in oxygen supplied to the heart.
Nitroglycerin is the drug used most often in the treatment of angina. This medication works by easing the workload of the heart. Nitroglycerin also works to relax the coronary arteries, which increases the supply of blood to the heart. Beta blockers work in the treatment of angina by lowering blood pressure and slowing the heart rate. Calcium channel blockers work to reduce the pain associated with angina by relaxing blood vessels, which allows more blood to flow to the heart. Ranolazine (Ranexa) is a new medication used in the treatment of angina. One early study showed that it significantly reduced the frequency of angina attacks and the need for supplementation with nitroglycerin tablets.