[healthyheart.MD]

Treatment Options
If you have angina, your doctor may prescribe one or more medications to relieve the pain. Some medications work by increasing blood flow to the heart, while others decrease the heart’s demand for oxygen. Nitroglycerine can prevent or stop angina by causing blood vessels to relax. This increases blood flow to the heart and reduces the amount of work the heart needs to do. Nitroglycerine can be taken as a tablet, patch, or ointment. Other drugs decrease the blood pressure and heart rate, thus decreasing the demand for oxygen. Examples of these are beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers.

Drugs can prevent the pain associated with angina but they do not treat the underlying disease of the blood vessels in the heart. If you have coronary artery disease, you can prevent it from getting worse by choosing a healthier lifestyle. Your doctor may recommend angioplasty or surgery if the blockage of your heart arteries is severe or if medication does not help. During a surgical procedure, the doctor may: Push the plaque against the walls of arteries . Bypass the arteries filled with plaque by using a blood vessel from your leg. Surgery or angioplasty can open the arteries but they do NOT cure the underlying disease. Lifestyle changes and medications are necessary to prevent further blockage of the arteries.
Nitroglycerin
Nitroglycerin tablets are used for fast relief from angina pain. If your doctor prescribes nitroglycerin for you, follow the steps described on the next few pages when you have angina. Sit down and rest. If the pain persists, place one tablet under your tongue and let it dissolve completely. The tablet will not work as fast if you swallow it. Use a second tablet if you still have angina 5 minutes after using the first pill. Use a third tablet if you still have angina 10 minutes after taking the first pill. You may be having a heart attack that needs immediate attention. Your doctor may give you more specific instructions about your medications. You may be prescribed a spray instead of a tablet, or your doctor may recommend different steps than this program describes.
Preventing Angina

Medications and surgery do not cure coronary artery disease. If healthy lifestyle changes are not made, the blockage of the artery will become even worse until it causes a heart attack that could be fatal.

The following are the 10 most important tips for living a healthier lifestyle that can improve the health of your heart.
1. Do not smoke.

2. Be physically active, under your doctor’s supervision.

3. Eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in fibers and low in fat.

4. Check the level of cholesterol in your blood. If it is high, get it under control.

5. Check your blood pressure regularly. If it is high, keep it under control.

6. Lose weight if you are overweight.

7. Exercise regularly.

8. Check the level of sugar in your blood. If it is high, keep it under control.

9. Get enough sleep at night.
10. Manage stress in your life.
If you have angina or other heart diseases, talk with your doctor before starting an exercise program or a weight loss program.
Summary
Coronary artery disease is the #1 killer in the United States and angina is one of the most common symptoms of this disease. If not treated, blockage of the coronary artery could become more severe, leading to a heart attack that could be fatal. It is important to learn the difference between the signs of a heart attack and angina. A heart attack should be treated immediately by calling 911 for emergency. Medications are available to relieve the pain of angina. However, to control coronary artery disease, medications and surgeries may be needed. Most importantly, however, healthy lifestyle habits should be followed.