Stable angina
Alternative names:
angina - stable; coronary artery disease
Treatment:
The goals of treatment are the reduction of symptoms and prevention of complications.
Rest if angina occurs.
Sublingual nitroglycerin relieves the pain of nitroglycerin during an attack. Prophylactic (preventative) treatment with nitroglycerin, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and aspirin (see salicylates - oral) may prevent angina. Medications may be given to control cholesterol, blood pressure, and abnormal heart rhythms.
Cardiac rehabilitation programs may be recommended to improve cardiovascular fitness.
Surgery may be recommended in certain situations. This includes CABG (coronary artery bypass grafting) or PTCA (balloon angioplasty).
Expectations (prognosis):
Angina symptoms are usually improved with treatment. The death rate varies and depends on many factors. Sudden death, acute MI (heart attack), or unstable angina may occur.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if chest pain which has not been evaluated develops; known angina changes in character, frequency, severity, or duration; or a known angina requires increasing doses of nitroglycerin or is not relieved within 15 minutes.
Picture:
P0036.pctArterial occlusive disease - toes
P0239.pctHeart, front view
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