How is stable angina treated?
Your doctor may prescribe medicines for stable angina, such as: • Nitroglycerin to reduce the pain of angina. It helps relax blood vessels so more blood can get to the heart. • Medicines to treat the cause of angina. These may include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors or blood thinners (anticoagulants or anti-platelet medication). Healthy lifestyle choices are also very important. To lower your risk of heart disease and reduce angina: • Eat a heart-healthy diet that has plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and lean meats, and is low in fat and salt. • If you smoke, quit. And stay away from secondhand smoke. • Get some physical activity. Talk to your doctor about how much and what kind of exercise is best for you. • Lose some weight if you need to. To prevent angina attacks: • Follow your treatment plan. This includes any medicines, diet or activity instructions that your doctor gave you. • Don’t overdo it. Slow down or take rest breaks when you exercise.
