Lipid-lowering therapies are essential in managing coronary artery disease (CAD), a condition where the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed. Among the most commonly prescribed treatments are statins, which reduce cholesterol production in the liver and significantly lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Other medications may be used to target different aspects of lipid metabolism:

• Ezetimibe helps reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the gut
• Fibrates lower triglyceride levels
• Niacin can help raise high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol

In recent years, a newer class of medications known as PCSK9 inhibitors—such as Repatha (evolocumab)—has become available. These drugs block a specific enzyme involved in cholesterol regulation and can dramatically lower LDL cholesterol, particularly in patients who do not achieve target levels with statins alone.

Together, these therapies provide a range of options to personalise treatment and improve cardiovascular outcomes.

Nitrates for Angina Relief

Nitrates are widely used to treat angina and provide quick relief from chest pain. These medications are commonly available as sublingual sprays or tablets, skin patches, and long-acting tablets.

Nitrates work by dilating blood vessels, allowing for increased blood flow and reduced vascular resistance. This reduces the heart’s workload and lowers its oxygen demand, offering prompt relief from angina symptoms.

Sublingual nitrates act quickly and are typically used at the onset of angina symptoms, while patches and long-acting tablets are used for ongoing prevention.

Common side effects include headaches, dizziness, and flushing. These often improve with continued use but should be discussed with a healthcare provider if persistent or bothersome.

Calcium channel blockers, including amlodipine, felodipine, Cardizem (diltiazem), and verapamil, are commonly prescribed for the treatment of angina.

These medications work by inhibiting the influx of calcium into the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels, causing them to relax. This relaxation leads to the widening of blood vessels, which improves blood flow and reduces blood pressure.

For individuals with angina, calcium channel blockers reduce the heart’s workload and oxygen demand, helping to relieve chest pain and prevent angina episodes.

While effective, they may cause side effects such as headaches, dizziness, facial flushing, and ankle swelling. These effects should be monitored and discussed with your healthcare provider if they persist.

Beta blockers, such as metoprolol, propranolol, atenolol, carvedilol, and bisoprolol, play a crucial role in managing angina.

These medications work by blocking specific receptors in the heart, which slows the heart rate and reduces the strength of each contraction. This results in a lower oxygen demand by the heart and helps relieve chest pain associated with angina.

Beta blockers are highly effective in both relieving symptoms and preventing angina episodes. However, they may cause side effects in some individuals, including tiredness, worsened asthma symptoms, more vivid dreams, and erectile dysfunction in some males.

It is important to consult your healthcare provider to determine whether beta blockers are a suitable option for your angina and overall heart health.