Treatment of angina pectoris attack

To alleviate the pain caused by angina pectoris, your doctor may prescribe trinitrine, as a spray or sublingually (to melt under the tongue) to be taken when the crisis occurs. The person having an angina attack should stop all exertion and take the medication prescribed for him. In general, the effect of trinitrin is very rapid. When you suffer from angina, it is necessary to keep this medication on you, in order to use it quickly when needed.

The basic treatment of angina pectoris

It aims to slow the worsening of angina pectoris by maintaining the best possible condition of the arteries of the heart (the coronary arteries).

Treatment begins with the adoption of lifestyle rules which are essential for reducing risk factors for cardiovascular disease and for stopping the progression of atheroma.

The pharmaceuticals prescribed should be taken on a regular basis, for example:

– thinners for the blood such as aspirin, or another molecule,

– medication against excess cholesterol if necessary.

Le interventional treatment aims to dilate the coronary artery where it is narrowed. This treatment is practiced in two possible ways:

– Placement of a “stent”, a kind of spring allowing the artery to dilate in its area where the atheroma is located.

– Coronary artery bypass graft: this is a surgical procedure to place a piece of artery that bypasses the narrowed area, so that the heart continues to be well irrigated.

The medical follow-up in the event of angina must be regular. And in the event of the appearance of a new symptom, it is essential to consult quickly, without waiting for the next scheduled appointment.