20 of the Best Medication for Angina Chest Pain

Last updated on August 7th, 2024 at 12:46 pm

Are you troubled or just eager to learn about the best medication for angina chest pain? Do you know about the available remedies? Is there medication for angina? Well if these are your questions, then this post is for you. Chest pain is a common symptom that can result from various underlying causes, including heart conditions, respiratory issues, muscle strain, or even gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) problems. There are minor chest pains and angina chest pain which is cardiac-related and is more serious. So what is the best medication for angina chest pain?

The appropriate treatment for your angina chest pain depends on its severity, and medicines play a crucial role in managing and alleviating this discomfort for you. In this comprehensive guide, I will discuss 20 of the best medication for angina chest pain, covering a range of conditions and providing an overview of their biochemistry or mechanisms of action and their effectiveness.

So what are these medications given for angina?:

1. Nitroglycerin

Nitroglycerin is a nitro-vasodilator and a common medication for angina pectoris pain. It is also a medication for an angina attack. Nitroglycerin is normally administered as NTG subungual tablets.

How Nitroglycerin acts: Nitroglycerin acts biochemically by relaxing your heart’s blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart, and alleviating chest pain. This is called Nitric oxide (NO) induced relaxation of cardiac muscles. Nitroglycerin can produce a long-term remedy to your chest pain because it breaks down slowly (several hours) within the heart muscles hence soothing you from pain for longer periods.

2. Aspirin

Aspirin also known as salicylic acid is classified among weak acids and is often prescribed as a medication for angina chest pain during a heart attack to reduce the inflammation. It is a good medication for angina.

How it acts: Aspirin is taken orally and incorporated into the bloodstream from your stomach walls. Biochemically it reduces blood clotting and prevents further blockages in the coronary arteries. It can help you relieve chest pains associated with heart conditions.

3. Beta-Blockers

Beta-blockers, such as metoprolol and atenolol, or a combination of the two are commonly prescribed as a medication for angina chest pain. Metoprolol and atenolol are just two of the many types of beta-blockers

How they act: They act by reducing the heartbeat rate, blood pressure, and workload on the heart. They are effective in treating angina pectoris and other heart-related conditions.

4. Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers like amlodipine and diltiazem or combination are used as a medication for angina chest pain.

How they act: They biochemically relax and widen your cardiac muscle blood vessels, improving blood flow to the heart and often reducing chest pain associated with angina pectoris.

5. ACE Inhibitors

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, including lisinopril and enalapril, are used to manage chest pain in individuals with high blood pressure or heart failure.

How they act: Lisinopril and Enalapril help relax your cardiac blood vessels, reducing the workload on your heart hence soothing you from pain.

6. Statins

Statins, such as atorvastatin and simvastatin, are prescribed to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart-related chest pain and other cardiovascular events. They are suitable for use as medication for angina chest pain.

7. Ranolazine

Ranolazine is a medication prescribed to treat chronic angina

How it acts: Ranolazine improves blood flow to the heart and reduces chest pain occurrences.

8. Fibrinolytics

Fibrinolytics are medicines like alteplase and are prescribed to dissolve blood clots in the coronary arteries, hence improving blood flow to the heart and alleviating chest pain in cases of heart attack.

9. Antiplatelet Agents

Antiplatelet medications like clopidogrel and prasugrel are often prescribed to manage chest pain

How they act: Clopidogrel and prasugrel act by reducing the risk of blood clots, especially after a heart attack, and can help you manage chest pain.

10. Morphine

Morphine is a plant-derived powerful pain reliever used in emergency angina treatment to manage severe chest pain associated with a heart attack.

11. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are prescribed to alleviate chest pain caused by muscle strain or inflammation of the chest wall.

12. Analgesics

Over-the-counter chest pain medication such as analgesics like acetaminophen can help manage mild chest pain due to various causes. They are also suitable to use as a medication for angina chest pain.

13. Anti-Anxiety Medications

For cases where chest pain is related to anxiety or panic attacks, medications like lorazepam or diazepam may be prescribed to reduce anxiety and alleviate chest discomfort.

14. H2 Blockers

H2 blockers, such as ranitidine, can be used to manage chest pain caused by acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

15. Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

PPIs like omeprazole and pantoprazole are prescribed to reduce stomach acid production and manage chest pain caused by GERD.

16. Antibiotics

If your sore chest pain is a result of an infection caused by bacteria, antibiotics such as neomycin, pramoxin, apixaban, and anastrozole may be prescribed for you to treat the underlying cause and alleviate the associated discomfort. (Read about what makes a good antibiotic for upper respiratory infection)

17. Antispasmodics

Antispasmodic medications like dicyclomine can be used to relieve chest pain caused by muscle spasms or gastrointestinal issues.

18. Bronchodilators

Bronchodilators, including albuterol, can be used to manage chest pain associated with respiratory conditions like asthma.

19. Analgesic Ointments

Topical analgesic ointments like menthol-based creams can provide relief for localized muscle soreness or strain causing chest pain.

20. Skeletal Muscle Relaxants

In cases where chest pain is related to muscle tension or spasms, skeletal muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine may be prescribed for you to alleviate the discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How do I know if I’ve got angina?

1. Chest Discomfort or Pain: Angina is often described as a squeezing, burning, or heavy feeling in the chest. The pain or discomfort can be located behind the breastbone or slightly to the left, and it may radiate to the neck, jaw, shoulder, or arm.
2. Chest Pressure or Tightness: You may experience a sensation of pressure or tightness in your chest, rather than sharp pain. This discomfort can be triggered or worsened by physical exertion, stress, or cold weather.
3. Pain Duration: Angina pain usually lasts for a relatively short time, typically around 5 minutes or less. It is typically relieved by rest or medications like nitroglycerin.
4. Precipitating Factors: Angina symptoms often occur during physical activity, emotional stress, or after a heavy meal. Recognizing the circumstances that trigger your symptoms can be informative.
5. Relief with Rest or Nitroglycerin: If your chest discomfort is relieved by rest or by taking nitroglycerin as prescribed by your healthcare provider, it may be a sign of angina.
6. Pain with Cold Weather: Some individuals with angina may experience symptoms more frequently during cold weather, as cold temperatures can constrict blood vessels and increase the heart’s workload.
7. Shortness of Breath: Angina can be accompanied by shortness of breath, especially during physical exertion. This is due to the heart not receiving enough oxygen to meet the body’s demands.
8. Sweating: Profuse sweating, nausea, or lightheadedness may accompany angina attacks. These symptoms can be particularly evident during episodes of severe angina.

Q2. Is Angina Dangerous?

Angina itself is a symptom of an underlying heart condition and can be a sign of an increased risk for more serious cardiovascular problems. It is not a disease on its own but rather a symptom of reduced blood flow to the heart muscle due to the narrowing of coronary arteries. Angina is typically characterized by chest pain or discomfort, often described as a tightness, pressure, or squeezing sensation.

There are two main types of angina:

• Stable Angina: This is the most common type and is usually triggered by physical activity, stress, or other factors that increase the heart’s demand for oxygen. Rest or medications can relieve the pain. It is generally not immediately life-threatening but can be a warning sign of underlying heart disease.
• Unstable Angina: This is more serious and occurs unpredictably, even at rest. It may signal that a heart attack is imminent and requires immediate medical attention.

The danger of angina lies in its potential to progress into a heart attack. If the underlying cause of angina, which is often coronary artery disease (atherosclerosis), is left untreated, it can lead to the complete blockage of an artery, resulting in a heart attack. A heart attack can cause permanent damage to the heart muscle and can be life-threatening.

Q3. 10 Angina Self-Care Precautions?

Self-care precautions are essential for you if you are living with angina or those who intend to remain healthy to manage their condition effectively and reduce the risk of angina episodes and complications. Here are ten self-care precautions for individuals with or without angina:

1. Medication Adherence: Take prescribed medications as directed by your healthcare provider. This often includes medications to control blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and manage angina symptoms.
2. Lifestyle Modifications: Adopt heart-healthy habits, such as maintaining a balanced diet low in saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium. Increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
3. Regular Exercise: Engage in regular, moderate-intensity exercise as recommended by your healthcare provider. Exercise helps improve cardiovascular health and reduces the frequency of angina attacks.
4. Smoking Cessation: Quit smoking if you are a smoker. Smoking is a significant risk factor for heart disease and can exacerbate angina. There are several medicines to help you quit smoking which I will cover separately.
5. Stress Management: If you have stress-induced chest pain, develop stress-reduction techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, yoga, or meditation, to manage emotional stress, which can trigger angina.
6. Weight Management: Maintain a healthy weight to reduce the strain on your heart. Losing excess weight can improve heart health and decrease the likelihood of angina episodes.
7. Blood Pressure Monitoring: Keep track of your blood pressure regularly, and follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
8. Cholesterol Control: Follow dietary and medication recommendations to keep your cholesterol levels in check. High cholesterol is a significant contributor to arterial plaque formation.
9. Limit Alcohol: If you consume alcohol, do so in moderation. Excessive alcohol intake can increase blood pressure and contribute to heart disease. If you are a victim of alcohol overdose which can trigger angina, you can try an alcohol poisoning antidote drug.
10. Regular Check-ups: Schedule routine check-ups with your healthcare provider. These appointments allow for the monitoring of your angina symptoms and the adjustment of treatment plans as needed.

Q4. Does Paracetamol Help Angina Pain?

Paracetamol or acetaminophen is not very reliable to be used as a medication for angina chest pain. This is according to Harvard Health. Angina is a condition caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, and its treatment primarily involves medications that improve blood flow and reduce heart workload. Paracetamol, as a pain reliever, does not address the underlying causes of angina or its symptoms. Seeking medical attention and following prescribed treatments is essential for managing angina, as self-medicating with paracetamol can be ineffective and potentially harmful when dealing with a serious heart condition.

Q5. Which Drug Can Worsen Angina?

Certain drugs can worsen angina, primarily by increasing the workload on the heart or affecting blood flow. Vasoconstrictors, stimulants, certain medications like beta-blockers if not properly managed, high doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and some antidepressants, can trigger angina attacks in individuals with heart disease. It’s crucial to inform healthcare providers about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and recreational substances, as these can impact the safety and effectiveness of angina treatment. Adjustments to medications should only be made under the guidance of a healthcare professional to ensure patient safety.

Q6. Can I Take Diclofenac for Chest Pain?

You should not take diclofenac a.k.a Diclo for chest pain without the guidance and approval of a healthcare professional. According to Drugs, diclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is primarily used to reduce pain, inflammation, and fever, but it is not appropriate to be used as a medication for angina chest pain or related to heart issues, including angina or heart attacks.

Chest pain can have various causes, some of which may be related to serious cardiac conditions. If you are experiencing chest pain, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention to determine the cause of the pain and receive the appropriate treatment. Using diclofenac or any other medication without a proper diagnosis and medical guidance can be potentially dangerous, especially in the context of heart-related chest pain.

Q7. What is the injection for heart pain?

The injection used as a medication for angina chest pain or heart pain typically involves medications like nitroglycerin, which are administered under the tongue, through intravenous (IV) injections, or intracoronary injections. Nitroglycerin relaxes blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the heart and alleviating chest pain. The decision to administer these medications through injection depends on the severity and context of the chest pain, and it should always be determined by a healthcare professional to ensure the best and safest approach for the individual’s specific condition. If you or someone you know is experiencing heart pain, immediate medical attention is essential to receive the appropriate treatment.

One More Important Thing!

Kindly note that, even when having the best medication for angina chest pain, self-medication is not advisable. If you are experiencing any form of chest pain, you should seek prompt medical attention from a qualified doctor or follow the guidance of a healthcare professional. The choice of medicine and its appropriate dosage will depend on the individual’s specific condition, medical history, and overall health. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new medication or altering your current treatment plan. Having learned all these 20 medications, What is the OTC medication for chest tightness? & What about angiotensin II receptor blocker drugs?