t’s important to know what kind of angina you have because each has different symptoms and may need different treatment.
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Stable angina
consists of episodes of chest pain that are usually predictable and triggered by exertion (such as heavy lifting), or mental or emotional stress.1 Usually the chest discomfort is relieved with rest, nitroglycerin, or both.
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Unstable angina
doesn’t follow a pattern, is very serious, and needs emergency treatment. It usually happens when at rest.1 The discomfort may be more severe and last longer than typical angina or be the first time a person has angina.
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Variant or Prinzmetal’s angina
is usually spontaneous, and nearly always occurs when a person is at rest.1 It doesn’t follow physical exertion or emotional stress and can be very painful. Variant angina is caused by coronary artery spasm.
Remember, only your doctor can accurately determine which kind of angina you have and recommend the treatment plan that’s right for you.
How Angina Is Treated
There are a variety of ways your doctor may choose to treat your angina pectoris. These may include using one or a combination of traditional therapies including long-acting nitrates, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers (CCBs), or procedures such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).2
For acute relief of the pain associated with angina pectoris, short-acting nitrates are the most common way to relieve angina. Nitrates, such as nitroglycerin, expand (dilate) blood vessels. By doing this, blood flow to the heart improves, and the heart doesn’t have to work as hard to pump blood. Your doctor may recommend using nitroglycerin, which can relieve angina in a few minutes.
Short-Acting Nitroglycerin Is Available in Different Forms
In the past, short-acting nitroglycerin was only available in tablets. Today nitroglycerin also comes in a spray. If you are taking nitroglycerin, it’s important to keep it with you at all times.
- Tablets are placed under the tongue, not swallowed
- The spray is delivered onto or under the tongue
What You Can Expect from Treatment
When you take nitroglycerin by tablet or spray, you should sit or lie down for a few minutes because nitrates can lower blood pressure and this may make you feel dizzy or faint.
