Angina is chest pain or discomfort that typically occurs with activity or stress, states Medline Plus, of the National Institutes of Health. During physical activity a patient may experience worsening chest pain that is relieved with rest or medication. Angina occurs because fatty deposits or blood clots narrow the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Medline Plus further states that coronary heart disease is the main cause of angina. Thus, a patient with a history of heart disease should be aware of angina remedies.
Lifestyle Changes
MayoClinic.com states that making changes in your daily routine can remedy angina. A patient should stop smoking because smoking causes blood vessels to constrict, which increases angina symptoms. In addition, weight management can reduce the workload of the heart and thus, its oxygen demands. This can prevent angina because the heart will no longer starve for oxygen, and no longer cause angina. Finally, a patient should exercise at a low to moderated pace, because angina is brought on by exertion, states MayoClinic.com A patient should discuss other lifestyle changes that can help prevent the onset and severity of angina.
Medications
If lifestyle changes do not remedy angina, then, medication may be prescribed, states MayoClinic.com. Some medications prevent the onset of angina, such as aspirin, beta-blockers, statins, calcium channel blockers, angtiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and ranolazine. A patient must take one or more of these medications as the doctor recommends to prevent angina. Nitrates, on the other hand, are used to remedy angina during an angina attack. Nitrates dilate, or cause the blood vessels around the heart to enlarge and allow more blood flow to the heart. Nitroglycerin tablets are commonly placed under the tongue during an anginal attack.
Angioplasty and Stenting
Once heart blood vessels become severely clogged, a procedure may need to be done to reopen the artery. MayoClinic.com states that angioplasty and stenting may be used. This procedure involves the doctor inserting a tiny balloon in the narrowed artery. The balloon is then inflated to open the artery. Once the artery is open, a stent is placed to keep the artery from collapsing. MayoClinic.com states that this procedure can reduce or eliminate angina.
Bypass Surgery
In some cases, coronary artery bypass surgery may be recommended. During this surgery, a blood vessel from another part of the body is used to bypass the blocked or narrowed heart artery, states MayoClinic.com. Furthermore, this procedure can reduce or completely remedy angina. The risks of this surgery include infection, excessive bleeding, heart complications and blood clot formation. Thus, the full risks and benefits of bypass surgery should be thoroughly discussed with the surgeon.
