Stable Angina: Treatment

Treatment for stable angina depends on the severity of the symptoms, the results of the tests that are performed to find the cause, and the severity of damage caused to the heart.

If you go to the emergency area of a hospital for treatment, you may also be sent to another care area for further testing or treatment. You may be sent to
- An observation unit
- A cardiac care unit
- Operating room for emergency heart surgery

Basic treatment for stable angina will include several things:
- At least one IV line will be started to give you medication or fluids.
- You will be probably be given an aspirin if you haven't already taken one.
- You may be given oxygen through a mask or tube. This will help if you are having trouble breathing or if you are feeling short of breath.

If you only are diagnosed with having angina, rest may be all that is needed for treatment. You may also be given medication to reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, or lower heart rate. You may be given medication that will reduce the risk of have blood clot or prevent having further clotting.

After your health care provider review the immediate test and observation result, he will decide where you should be for the new few days. If your condition is stable and the symptoms felt were only angina, you may be allowed to go home. You will have medication to take with you, and you will need to follow up after a couple of days.

If your condition is unstable, you will be admitted to the hospital, where you will undergo further tests and possibly surgery.

Stable Angina Follow-Up Treatment
Your health care provider will probably see you on a regular basis to monitor your angina episodes. He will also want to make sure you reducing your risk factors to prevent the worsening of your condition. He will probably test your heart function periodically using several different tests:
- Echocardiogram uses high frequency sound waves that are passed through the heart to reveal changes in the heart caused by decreased blood flow.
- Blood tests are used to predict whether a heart attack is likely to progress.
- Electrocardiogram records the activity of the heart by measuring electrical currents. This test can reveal evidence of past heart attacks or heart rhythm problems.
- Exercise tolerance test will record the heart's activity during increased physical activity.
- Thallium stress test measures the muscle layer of the heart.
- Nuclear scanning is when radioactive material is injected into a vein and watched as it is absorbed by the heart muscle.
- CT scan is an x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the inside of the heart.
- Coronary angiography is when x-rays are taken after a dye is injected into the arteries to see if there are abnormalities in the arteries.

Prevention of Stable Angina
It is important to prevent the onset of stable angina and other heart problems by reducing the risk factors associated with angina. You should try not to have angina or a heart attack in the first place. Studies have shown that modifying risk factors can prevent artery blockage from becoming worse, thus decreasing the symptoms of angina and the change of heart attack. There are some factors which you cannot control such as aging, family history of risk, or sex (males are more susceptible). There are several factors that you are able to control to prevent angina.
- Stop smoking or using nicotine at all.
- Treat high blood pressure with medication, a healthy diet, and regular exercise.
- Lower fats and cholesterol in the blood with diet, exercise, and medication.
- Maintain a healthy body weight.
- Control blood sugar if you have diabetes.
- Avoid the use of stimulants such as cocaine, caffeine, or amphetamines.

If you already have angina, be sure to take precautions to not trigger the symptoms.
- Drink alcohol only in moderation.
- Avoid smoking.
- Do not use stimulants such as caffeine, cocaine, or amphetamines.
- Avoid large and heavy meals that make you feel "stuffed."
- Avoid extremes of emotions.
- Exercise sensibly. Talk with your health care provider about a plan for you.