As mentioned earlier, angina occurs when the coronary artery is unable to supply the demands of the heart muscle. Thus, it seems logical that the patient's symptoms would improve only if one was able to increase blood supply or decrease the oxygen needs of the heart muscle, or achieve a combination of the two. Listed below are medications commonly used in the treatment of angina:

Nitroglycerin and long acting nitrates: Nitroglycerin (NTG) tablets placed under the tongue (known as sublingual; sub=under and lingua=tongue), is a very effective means of treating angina. The tablet dissolves under the tongue and may have a slightly sharp, burning or tingling taste. Tablets which have this taste when fresh but subsequently become tasteless may indicate loss of effectiveness and potency. They need to be replaced by a fresh supply when they pass the expiration date printed on the bottle label; usually a few months after purchase. NTG is also available in the form of a spray. This spray pump has the advantage of maintaining its potency for years instead of months.

   NTG placed under the tongue dissolves quickly and demonstrates a beneficial effect within a minute or two. It works by dilating the coronary artery and thus improving the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. NTG also dilates (opens up) the veins and arteries of the body. Dilated veins decrease the filling of the left ventricle (LV), which in turn reduces its workload. On the other hand, dilated arteries of the body reduces the blood pressure and the resistance that the LV has to overcome in pumping blood through those arteries. A single NTG tablet should be placed under the tongue if angina persists beyond a few minutes after stopping activity. If the pain is unrelieved, a second tablet is used after 5 minutes. This is repeated at 5 minute intervals, if pain persists. It is wise to seek medical attention if angina is not completely resolved by the fourth tablets. Consecutive tablets of NTG may cause dizziness if it significantly lowers the blood pressure. In such cases, the patient should sit or lie down. Persistence of angina after the use of four NTG tablets at 5 minute intervals should prompt a phone call to your doctor. Most patients with established or suspected coronary artery disease will be advised to go to the emergency room or a physician's office, depending upon the specific case.

    NTG tablets placed under the tongue are short acting and lasts only 5 to 10 minutes, which is usually a sufficient amount of time to relieve angina. However, a different form of NTG is needed for preventing angina from coming on. They are known as long acting nitrates. Long acting nitrates are available in the form of pills that are taken one to three times a day (depending upon the type that is prescribed) , a patch that is applied to the skin in the morning and removed at night, or an ointment that is placed on the skin three to four times a day. Patients on long acting nitrates will need to continue using NTG under the tongue if angina occurs.

Beta Blockers: The heart rate and blood pressure are elevated when the body releases increased amounts of adrenaline under moments of exertion and emotional stress. Adrenaline the left ventricle contracts more vigorously to provide the body with more blood flow during the period of activity and stress. The increased blood pressure, faster heart rate and more forceful pumping of the left ventricle all increase the need of oxygen by the heart. In patients with coronary artery disease, angina occurs if the supply of oxygen and blood cannot keep up with this increased demand

   A class of medications known as beta blockers partially "insulates" the heart and blood vessels from the effects of adrenaline. This lowers the blood pressure, slows the heart and decreases the force with which the heart contracts. This in turn reduces the oxygen needs of the heart and thus helps in preventing the occurrence of angina. There are over a dozen available beta blockers with similar activities. They have also shown to be benefit in reducing the risk of a heart attack. Beta blockers are often avoided or used with great caution in patient's with slow heart beat and obstructive lung disease (emphysema, bronchitis and asthma). Fatigue, sleepiness, depression and decreased sexual libido may be experienced by some patients. Some of these symptoms may improve by changing the dose or type of beta blocker, or with the passage of time (weeks or months).

Calcium Channel Blockers: Calcium channel blockers decrease blood pressure and can dilate coronary arteries. For these reasons, it is of value in the treatment of patient's with angina; particularly in patients with high blood pressure or in those who have not responded to a combination of nitrates and beta blockers.

Aspirin: Aspirin is one of the least expensive and most valuable medication in the treatment of coronary artery disease. Platelets are small cells that float around in our blood stream. They are the "beavers" of the body that rush to seal any break or breach in the dam. When there is any type of damage or tear in the wall of a blood vessel, platelets collect in that area, clump together and attract formation of a clot. This seals the damage and stops bleeding when a person is injured.

   Unfortunately, the same mechanism comes into play when the coronary artery develops minor cracks in the inner lining of the coronary artery (plaque rupture). This can result in a blood clot that seals the artery, cuts off blood supply to the heart muscle and leads to a heart attack. Aspirin reduces the activity of platelets, decreases the tendency to form clots and is thus extremely valuable in lowering the incidence of heart attacks in patients with coronary artery disease. Aspirin should be avoided in patients with an allergy to the drug. In such cases, alternative medications may be employed.

Preventive Measures, risk factor modification, dietary restrictions, smoking cessation and a structured exercise program are an important cornerstone in the treatment of coronary artery disease.