Angina Pectoris: Drug Therapy

Therapeutic targets

• Prevention of angina pectoris symptoms.
• Preservation of exercise capacity*
• Reduction of cardiovascular morbidity (e.g. heart failure (heart failure), myocardial infarction (heart attack))* .
• Reduction of CHD associated mental illness (anxiety disorders, depression)* .
• Reduction in mortality (death rate)*

Therapy recommendations

• * See “Coronary artery disease/drug therapy” below for therapy recommendations.
• Symptomatic therapy and prophylaxis of angina pectoris:
  • Beta-blockers (first-line agent); in case of intolerance of beta-receptor blockers or insufficient antianginal effect: ivabradine (if-ion channel blocker) alternatively ranolazine (piperazine derivative) [see below CHD/drug therapy].
  • Long-acting calcium channel blockers (subordinate to beta blockers) [see below CHD/drug therapy].
  • Fast-acting nitrate (nitroglycerin, glycerol trinitrate) to cup attacks (patients with stable angina).