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Patient education: Medications for angina (Beyond the Basics)

Patient education: Medications for angina (Beyond the Basics)
Authors:
Julian M Aroesty, MD
Joseph P Kannam, MD
Section Editor:
Bernard J Gersh, MB, ChB, DPhil, FRCP, MACC
Deputy Editors:
Jane Givens, MD, MSCE
Nisha Parikh, MD, MPH
Literature review current through: Nov 2022. | This topic last updated: Oct 04, 2022.

ANGINA TREATMENT OVERVIEW — Chest pain that originates from the heart is called "angina pectoris." Angina is a signal that the heart muscle is not getting sufficient blood flow, specifically sufficient oxygen. Lack of oxygen is termed "ischemia." Blood flow is most often reduced by coronary artery disease, which causes a narrowing of the arteries that carry blood to the heart muscle (figure 1). Narrowing in the coronary arteries occurs as a result of calcium and fatty deposits, called plaques. In more severe cases, heart attack (myocardial infarction), heart failure, or rhythm abnormalities can cause sudden cardiac death.

Angina may be provoked by an activity or exercise or any other physical or mental stress that increases the heart's demand for blood. Angina can be "stable" or "unstable." Angina is unstable when there is a change in the usual pattern, such as a change in frequency, occurrence with less exertion, or occurrence at rest. Unstable angina, which may or may not be associated with damage to the heart muscle (or heart attack), is called acute coronary syndrome and requires immediate evaluation in a hospital. (See "Patient education: Chest pain (Beyond the Basics)".)

A number of articles about coronary artery disease are available separately. (See "Patient education: Chest pain (Beyond the Basics)" and "Patient education: Angina treatment — medical versus interventional therapy (Beyond the Basics)" and "Patient education: Aspirin in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer (Beyond the Basics)" and "Patient education: Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (Beyond the Basics)" and "Patient education: Stenting for the heart (Beyond the Basics)".)

WHICH TREATMENT IS RIGHT FOR ME? — All treatments for coronary heart disease have the same goals: to improve quality of life and relieve symptoms, particularly angina. The medications used to treat coronary heart disease and angina reduce the risk of dying for many people with these conditions.

The choice between taking a medication and having a stent procedure or surgery to open narrowed or blocked blood vessels depends upon a number of individual factors. These are discussed in detail separately. (See "Patient education: Angina treatment — medical versus interventional therapy (Beyond the Basics)" and "Patient education: Stenting for the heart (Beyond the Basics)".)

MEDICINES FOR STABLE ANGINA — There are currently four types of medications used to treat stable angina:

Nitrates

Beta blockers

Calcium channel blockers

Ranolazine

Ivabradine

Nitrates or beta blockers are usually preferred for initial treatment of angina, and calcium channel blockers may be added if needed. The number and type of medications used are often tailored to how frequently angina occurs in an average week.

One or fewer – People who have one or fewer angina episodes per week may be advised to take sublingual (under the tongue) nitroglycerin when an episode of angina occurs and immediately before activities that could cause angina. Alternatively, these people may be put on medications to take daily. (See 'Nitrates' below.)

Two or more – People who have two or more angina episodes per week are usually advised to take longer-acting antianginal medications. This may include a long-acting nitrate or a beta blocker.

Treatment with added medications – If the frequency of angina episodes persists while taking one medication, a second medication may be added. Combined treatment may relieve angina more effectively than a single medication.

If angina persists on two medications, a third medication or coronary angiography may be recommended. Angiography can help determine how severe coronary artery disease is and if a stent or bypass surgery is needed.

NITRATES — Nitrates improve blood flow by relaxing and dilating (expanding) veins and arteries, including the coronary arteries. They reduce the amount of blood returning to the heart, which may be helpful for patients with heart failure. Several different nitrate preparations are available.

Sublingual nitroglycerin — Sublingual (under the tongue) nitroglycerin (NTG) is usually recommended to treat sudden attacks of angina and to prevent angina while engaging in activities that typically trigger angina, such as mowing the lawn, playing sports, or walking up a hill (especially in the cold).

Sublingual NTG is a small pill that is placed under the tongue where it rapidly dissolves and is absorbed. The membranes underneath the tongue must be moist to facilitate this process, so a drink of water before the pill is recommended to moisten a dry mouth. Sublingual NTG becomes effective within two to five minutes and its effects last 15 to 30 minutes. NTG pills do not have any explosive potential.

For people with prolonged or frequent angina, a clinician may recommend repeating the dose of NTG for a total of two or three doses five minutes apart before calling 911. If chest pain lasts more than five minutes after taking up to three NTG pills, call 911 immediately, unless a different plan has been discussed with a clinician. The emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in your community will respond as rapidly as possible and take you to the nearest hospital.

It is very important to store NTG pills properly since they are sensitive to light, moisture, and heat. Most pills should be stored in a dark, tightly capped bottle in the refrigerator; you should carry a small number with you at all times. An unopened nitroglycerin bottle is good for one year. Pills that are in an opened bottle should be thrown away after three months. You should renew your sublingual NTG prescriptions every three to six months and discard any tablets that crumble easily. NTG pills that are still effective cause a mild tingling sensation when placed under the tongue.

Sublingual NTG is also available in a spray form. This spray is less popular than the pill form, although it is equally effective. The spray has a shelf life of two to three years and does not require refrigeration.

Oral nitrates — Oral nitrates have a longer-lasting effect than sublingual NTG and are equally effective in controlling angina on a chronic basis. Oral nitrates are available in two forms: isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) and isosorbide-5-mononitrate (ISMN).

Isosorbide dinitrate — ISDN, often taken two or three times per day, begins acting within 15 to 30 minutes and lasts for three to six hours. ISDN allows you to exercise for up to eight hours. The body tends to develop a tolerance (decreased sensitivity) to ISDN when it is used continuously over 24 hours, but a carefully planned dose schedule may prevent this problem (see 'Nitrates and tolerance' below). This preparation is not used as commonly as ISMN since it has to be given multiple times a day.

Isosorbide-5-mononitrate — ISMN usually begins acting within 30 minutes and its effects last six to eight hours. The body tends to develop a tolerance (decreased sensitivity) to ISMN when it is used continuously over 24 hours. A carefully planned dose schedule and use of extended release forms of ISMN may prevent this problem. The extended release form of ISMN is taken only once per day. This medication should not be given more than once per day.

Transdermal nitroglycerin — Transdermal NTG (NTG patch) is a convenient type of long-lasting nitrate treatment. These patches deliver a constant dose of NTG.

Transdermal NTG begins acting within 30 minutes and its effects last for 8 to 14 hours. Wearing a patch continuously leads to tolerance, so patches must be removed each day to allow for a "nitrate-free" interval. Since most people experience angina with activity, the patch is usually applied in the morning and removed in the evening. By contrast, people who have nocturnal (nighttime) angina should apply the patches at night and remove them in the morning.

Nitrates and tolerance — Continuous nitrate treatment leads to tolerance of the drug within 24 to 48 hours; after which normal doses of nitrates are less effective. Tolerance is a problem with long-acting nitrates (oral and transdermal nitrates), which is why a nitrate-free interval is necessary. Nitrate tolerance does not usually develop with sublingual NTG.

The best way to avoid tolerance is to use long-acting nitrates intermittently by scheduling 8- to 12-hour nitrate-free breaks, frequently done during periods of sleep. Some people notice that angina worsens during this nitrate-free period, which is a phenomenon called rebound angina. This can be treated by increasing the dose of other drugs. Several medications and antioxidant vitamins are being evaluated for their ability to prevent nitrate tolerance; however, they are still investigational and they are not yet widely available.

Timing of nitrates — People who have stress or exertional angina (angina during activity or exercise) are usually advised to take nitrates during the day, whereas people with nighttime angina or heart failure are usually advised to take nitrates in the evening. Nitrates may alleviate certain nighttime symptoms of heart failure, such as shortness of breath when lying down or waking up breathless in the middle of the night.

Side effects — The most common side effects of nitrates are headache, lightheadedness, flushing, and an increase in heart rate. Older adults are often susceptible to lightheadedness and should be especially careful in hot weather. Alcohol may also worsen dizziness and lightheadedness. Lightheadedness with nitrates may indicate dehydration, so we encourage adequate hydration.

Nitrates can also cause a decrease in blood pressure and may cause some people to faint (especially when other medications that lower blood pressure are being used or the patient is dehydrated). Although it is rare, nitrates can worsen angina due to the effect on a critical coronary stenosis (narrowing) caused by the nitrate-induced decrease in blood pressure. These side effects tend to improve over time, but it is still important to discuss any side effects you are having with your health care provider.

The combination of nitrates and medications for erectile dysfunction (eg, Viagra, Cialis, Levitra) is particularly hazardous since the combination may produce a severe decrease in blood pressure. Erectile dysfunction medications must be avoided while taking a nitrate medication (short or long-acting). If you take nitrates and are considering treatment for erectile dysfunction, speak with your health care provider. (See "Patient education: Sexual problems in men (Beyond the Basics)".)

BETA BLOCKERS — Beta blockers reduce the heart rate, blood pressure, and the force of the heart's contractions, thereby decreasing the amount of oxygen the heart requires to pump blood. Along with nitrates, beta blockers are usually the first choice for the treatment of stable angina, and they are particularly beneficial in people who have angina during exercise or activity.

Another important benefit of beta blockers is that they improve survival and prevent another heart attack in people who have suffered a recent heart attack.

Most beta blockers are available as a long-acting preparation that is taken once per day.

Classes — There are different types of beta blockers. Although all are equally effective in the treatment of angina, there are settings in which one type is more or less desirable.

Nonselective beta blockers (such as propranolol) block all types of beta receptors throughout the body and are therefore more likely to cause side effects. As a general rule, these drugs should not be used in patients who have asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) since they may block the effect of adrenaline in the lungs, possibly causing an asthma attack.

At low doses, cardioselective beta blockers (such as atenolol and metoprolol) selectively block the beta receptors found in the heart and are less likely to cause side effects. These medications may be better than nonselective beta blockers for people with obstructive lung disease, asthma, poor circulation, diabetes, and depression. However, at the high doses often needed to control angina, these medications lose their selectivity and may also block other types of beta receptors throughout the body, producing more side effects.

Some beta blockers (such as acebutolol and pindolol) are less likely to depress cardiac function or cause a slow resting heart rate and may be a better choice for people who have specific cardiac conditions or are more sensitive to the effects of beta blockers.

Some beta blockers (such as labetalol or carvedilol) also block alpha receptors, which are another type of receptor found in the blood vessels. These medications have the added benefit of dilating blood vessels.

Side effects — Most people notice only mild side effects when taking beta blockers. However, all classes of beta blockers can cause side effects. Most of the side effects are directly related to their beta blocking action; these side effects may be cardiac (those that affect the heart) and/or noncardiac (those that affect other systems). Other side effects are unrelated to the beta blocking action.

Cardiac effects — The cardiac benefits of beta blockers in angina limit their use in people with certain heart conditions.

Heart failure – Beta blockers can worsen heart failure in people with symptoms of heart failure. However, beta blockers are still recommended due to the benefit of living longer once the patient is no longer in heart failure.

Slowing of the heart rate – Beta blockers slow the resting heart rate and are therefore must be used cautiously or avoided in people who have a slow baseline heart rate and those who take other medications that slow the heart rate.

Beta blocker withdrawal – People who abruptly stop taking beta blockers may experience a dangerous withdrawal syndrome that can lead to worsening of angina, heart attack, and death. Side effects after abrupt withdrawal are most likely to occur in people who take short-acting beta blockers at a high dose and are less likely to occur in people who take long-acting beta blockers at a low to moderate dose. It is very important to talk to a health care provider before stopping a beta blocker.

Noncardiac effects — Most of the more common side effects of beta blockers occur when these medications block beta receptors throughout the body. These side effects are less likely with beta blockers that selectively affect the heart (metoprolol or atenolol).

Constriction of airways – Beta blockers can block receptors in the lung, preventing the airways from relaxing and making it difficult to breathe. Therefore, many beta blockers are not recommended for some people with lung disease.

Circulatory problems – Beta blockers may worsen symptoms in people who have poor circulation in their extremities or pain in their legs with walking. Beta blockers with stimulatory effects and cardioselective beta blockers used at low doses are less likely to have this effect. People who have vascular spasm (Raynaud phenomenon) may find their problem worsens while using a beta blocker. (See "Patient education: Raynaud phenomenon (Beyond the Basics)".)

Impotence – Beta blockers can cause impotence in men. This side effect occurs in more than 10 percent of men, although the frequency varies with the beta blocker used. However, it is safe to take beta blockers in combination with medications for erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil (brand name: Viagra), tadalafil (brand name: Cialis), and vardenafil (brand name: Levitra), as long as the person does not also take a nitrate.

Central nervous system effects – Beta blockers can cause dreams, hallucinations, insomnia, and fatigue. These side effects may be more common in older people.

Worsening of angina – Beta blockers can promote arterial spasm, meaning they cause the walls of the arteries to spasm and narrow, so they may actually worsen angina in people with variant angina (angina caused by spasm). This is an uncommon problem.

Drug interactions – Beta blockers can interact with certain other cardiac drugs, including calcium channel blockers and some drugs used to treat arrhythmias (irregular heart beat). Detailed information on drug interactions can be found in the Lexicomp drug interaction program within UpToDate.

CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS — Calcium channel blockers dilate arteries, decrease the force of the heart's contractions, and lower blood pressure. They also dilate veins, reducing the amount of blood returning to the heart, which reduces the workload of the heart. Some calcium channel blockers slow the heart rate, which also reduces the work of the heart.

Nitrates or beta blockers are usually recommended first for people with stable angina. Calcium channel blockers are an alternative if there are side effects or other conditions that limit the use of beta blockers and nitrates. Calcium channel blockers may also be used if nitrates and beta blockers do not control angina when used in combination.

Dihydropyridines — The dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers include amlodipine, felodipine, nifedipine, nicardipine, and nitrendipine. These work to dilate blood vessels; this effect is greater for dihydropyridines than for other classes of calcium channel blockers. They also slightly decrease the strength of the heart's contractions. Dihydropyridines have little effect on the conduction of electrical impulses in the heart.

Although dihydropyridines are effective for the treatment of angina, some may not be as effective as beta blockers.

Side effects – The side effects of the dihydropyridines are related to their powerful dilation of blood vessels. These effects occur in up to 20 percent of people and include flushing, dizziness and lightheadedness, headache, and peripheral edema (swelling of the feet and ankles). This type of edema cannot be relieved with diuretics. (See "Patient education: Edema (swelling) (Beyond the Basics)".)

Verapamil — Verapamil slows the heart's conduction of electrical impulses, decreases the force of the heart's contractions, and dilates blood vessels. Although it is less effective than beta blockers for slowing the heart rate, it is a safe and effective alternative; the choice between beta blockers and calcium channel blockers depends upon individual factors. Verapamil is effective for variant (vasospastic) angina. Verapamil is available in sustained release form, which is taken once per day.

Side effects – Constipation is the major side effect of verapamil, occurring in over 25 percent of people taking the medication. Other side effects are similar to those occurring with the dihydropyridines, although peripheral edema (swelling of the extremities) is uncommon.

Depression of cardiac function is a concern with verapamil. Verapamil decreases the force of the heart's contractions and slows its conduction of electrical impulses. These effects can produce a pronounced slowing of heart rate, heart block (impaired electrical conduction in the heart), and worsening of heart failure. Verapamil must be used cautiously or avoided in people with cardiac conditions such as sick sinus syndrome and atrioventricular block. It is generally not used in combination with beta blockers.

Diltiazem — The effects of diltiazem lie between those of the dihydropyridines and those of verapamil, neither markedly dilating blood vessels nor markedly depressing cardiac function. Diltiazem dilates blood vessels (especially coronary arteries), decreases the heart's force of contraction, and slows the heart's conduction of electrical impulses.

Diltiazem may be preferable because it causes fewer side effects. Diltiazem is available in sustained release form that is taken once per day.

Side effects – When compared with dihydropyridines and verapamil, diltiazem has a lower frequency of side effects and has a more balanced effect, neither markedly dilating blood vessels nor markedly depressing cardiac function.

Combined treatment with beta blockers — The dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers and, in some cases, diltiazem can be used in combination with beta blockers for better control of angina. Verapamil, however, is usually not combined with beta blockers because combining the two drugs can markedly slow the heart rate. The selection of a specific combination of medications depends upon individual factors.

Beta blockers versus calcium channel blockers — Beta blockers are more effective than calcium channel blockers for reducing the frequency of angina, but they are similar in terms of improving exercise tolerance and decreasing the need for nitroglycerin. However, people taking calcium channel blockers, especially nifedipine, are much more likely to stop taking the medication because of side effects.

RANOLAZINE — Ranolazine is the newest addition to the medical treatment of angina. It has a complicated mechanism of action. Patients on a combination of beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, or nitrates who continue with angina may benefit from the addition of ranolazine. (See "New therapies for angina pectoris", section on 'Ranolazine'.)

ASPIRIN — Heart attacks are usually the result of a blood clot forming inside a narrowed coronary artery. Aspirin helps to prevent these clots from forming and can therefore lower the risk of a heart attack. Health care providers often recommend daily aspirin for people with stable angina. (See "Patient education: Aspirin in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer (Beyond the Basics)".)

OTHER MEASURES TO SLOW OR REVERSE CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE — Regardless of whether medical or interventional therapy is chosen, it is very important that people with coronary artery disease follow guidelines to reduce the risk that their heart disease will worsen. These guidelines, which should be discussed with a health care provider, include the following:

Treat high blood pressure (see "Patient education: High blood pressure treatment in adults (Beyond the Basics)")

Treat high cholesterol (see "Patient education: High cholesterol and lipids (Beyond the Basics)")

Quit smoking (see "Patient education: Quitting smoking (Beyond the Basics)")

Lose excess weight (see "Patient education: Losing weight (Beyond the Basics)")

Reduce stress

Exercise regularly (see "Patient education: Exercise (Beyond the Basics)")

Avoid or minimize activities that provoke angina, such as exercising during cold weather or exercising vigorously, particularly after a meal.

Learn to use nitroglycerin preventively

WHERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION — Your healthcare provider is the best source of information for questions and concerns related to your medical problem.

This article will be updated as needed on our web site (www.uptodate.com/patients). Related topics for patients, as well as selected articles written for healthcare professionals, are also available. Some of the most relevant are listed below.

Patient level information — UpToDate offers two types of patient education materials.

The Basics — The Basics patient education pieces answer the four or five key questions a patient might have about a given condition. These articles are best for patients who want a general overview and who prefer short, easy-to-read materials.

Patient education: Chest pain (The Basics)
Patient education: Coronary artery disease (The Basics)
Patient education: Medicines after a heart attack (The Basics)
Patient education: Medicines for angina (chest pain) (The Basics)
Patient education: Stenting for the heart (The Basics)
Patient education: Treatment choices for angina (chest pain) (The Basics)

Beyond the Basics — Beyond the Basics patient education pieces are longer, more sophisticated, and more detailed. These articles are best for patients who want in-depth information and are comfortable with some medical jargon.

Patient education: Chest pain (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Angina treatment — medical versus interventional therapy (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Aspirin in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease and cancer (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Stenting for the heart (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Sexual problems in men (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Raynaud phenomenon (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Edema (swelling) (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: High blood pressure treatment in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: High cholesterol and lipids (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Quitting smoking (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Losing weight (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Exercise (Beyond the Basics)

Professional level information — Professional level articles are designed to keep doctors and other health professionals up-to-date on the latest medical findings. These articles are thorough, long, and complex, and they contain multiple references to the research on which they are based. Professional level articles are best for people who are comfortable with a lot of medical terminology and who want to read the same materials their doctors are reading.

Beta blockers in the management of chronic coronary syndrome
Revascularization in patients with stable coronary artery disease: Coronary artery bypass graft surgery versus percutaneous coronary intervention
Calcium channel blockers in the management of chronic coronary syndrome
Microvascular angina: Angina pectoris with normal coronary arteries
Coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction in young people
Outpatient evaluation of the adult with chest pain
Electrocardiogram in the diagnosis of myocardial ischemia and infarction
Initial evaluation and management of suspected acute coronary syndrome (myocardial infarction, unstable angina) in the emergency department
Chronic coronary syndrome: Indications for revascularization
Nitrates in the management of chronic coronary syndrome
Chronic coronary syndrome: Overview of care
Angina pectoris: Chest pain caused by fixed epicardial coronary artery obstruction
Prognosis after myocardial infarction
Stress testing for the diagnosis of obstructive coronary heart disease
Prognostic features of stress testing in patients with known or suspected coronary disease

The following organizations also provide reliable health information.

National Library of Medicine

(www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthtopics.html)

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

(www.nhlbi.nih.gov)

American Heart Association

(www.americanheart.org)

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