More angina treatments that are advised in most cases
Aspirin
Aspirin reduces the 'stickiness' of platelets. Platelets are tiny particles in the blood that help the blood to clot after cuts. If lots of platelets become stuck onto a patch of atheroma inside an artery they can form a clot (thrombosis). Therefore, taking aspirin reduces the risk of a heart attack which is caused by a blood clot forming in a coronary artery. The usual dose of aspirin is 75mg daily. This is a lot less than the dose used for pains and headaches. Side-effects are unusual with low dose aspirin. If you have a stomach or duodenal ulcer, or asthma, you may not be able to take aspirin. Options then include to take an additional drug to 'protect the gut', or to use another antiplatelet drug such as clopidogrel.
A beta-blocker drug
Beta-blockers 'block' the action of certain hormones such as adrenaline. These hormones increase the rate and force of the heartbeat, particularly when you exert yourself. Therefore, if you take a beta-blocker it blunts any increase in the rate and force of the heart beat, particularly when you exert yourself. Therefore less oxygen is needed by the heart, and angina pains are prevented, or occur less often. Beta-blockers are also thought to have some protective effect on the heart muscle which may reduce the risk of developing complications.
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Where to next?
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Some other points about angina
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Understanding the arteries of the heart and causes of angina
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What are the aims of treatment if you have angina?
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What are the symptoms of angina?
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Atheroma
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Heart disease: Women don't know the risks
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Only 1 in 100 Brits eats a healthy diet
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Stroke
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Too much salt is killing us
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Why is sleep important?
