Anti-Anginal Drugs

Anti-Anginal Drugs
Chapter 23

Angina Pectoris (Chest Pain)

I When the supply of O2 and nutrients in the blood is insufficient to meet the demands of the heart, the heart muscle aches.

II The heart requires a large supply of O2 to meet the demands placed on it.

III Types of Angina
A. Chronic stable angina (aka classic or effort)
B. Unstable (aka preinfarction or crescendo)
C. Vasospastic (aka Prinzmetal’s or variant)


III Antianginal Agents
A. Increase blood flow to ischemic heart muscle
B. And/or decrease myocardial O2 demand
C. Minimize the frequency of attacks and decrease the duration and intensity of anginal pain
D. Improve the pts functional capacity w/as few side effects as possible
E. Types
1. Nitrates/Nitrites
2. Beta blockers DO NOT CONSTRICT
3. Calcium Channel Blockers