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Prof. Peter Barlis

Professor Barlis is an interventional cardiologist and the Founding Editor of Heart Matters, a trusted platform for heart health education. With over 20 years of experience in cardiology, Peter has seen firsthand that empowering patients with clear and accessible knowledge can make a lasting difference to their health and quality of life. Heart Matters was created in response to frequent patient requests to share his simple and easy-to-understand explanations beyond the consulting room, offering reliable guidance for anyone seeking to take charge of their heart health.

Peter is widely recognised for his leadership in clinical cardiology and academic research, with publications in leading medical journals and invitations to speak at national and international conferences. Through education, research and advocacy, he continues to help shape the future of cardiovascular medicine.

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other anti-anginals

When first-line therapies for angina, such as beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and nitrates, prove inadequate or are not well-tolerated, second-line therapies may be considered.
Perhexiline is a unique medication that enhances the heart's ability to utilize fatty acids for energy, reducing its reliance on oxygen and lowering oxygen demand. This action helps improve blood flow and alleviates chest pain in some patients with refractory angina.
Nicorandil is another second-line option with a dual mechanism of action. It opens potassium channels in smooth muscle cells, causing vasodilation and enhancing coronary blood flow. Additionally, nicorandil also stimulates nitric oxide release, further dilating blood vessels and reducing heart workload.
Trimetazidine is an anti-ischemic agent that improves cardiac efficiency by enhancing glucose metabolism and shifting the heart's energy production to a more oxygen-efficient process. As second-line therapies, these medications offer alternative approaches for managing angina in individuals who do not respond adequately to first-line treatments or those experiencing side effects from other medications.

lipid lowering therapies

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

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

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

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.

Anti-platelet Medications

Anti-platelet medications play a crucial role in preventing blood clot formation and reducing the risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. Commonly used agents include aspirin, clopidogrel, and ticagrelor.

 

Aspirin: This well-known medication inhibits platelet activation, reducing the likelihood that platelets will clump together and form clots. It is widely used for both primary and secondary prevention of heart attacks and strokes.

 

Clopidogrel: A potent anti-platelet agent, clopidogrel works by blocking specific receptors on platelets to prevent aggregation. It is commonly prescribed for patients with acute coronary syndrome, those undergoing stent placement, and some individuals with peripheral arterial disease.

 

Ticagrelor: Ticagrelor also inhibits platelet activation and is typically used in the treatment of acute coronary syndrome. It is often prescribed alongside aspirin to provide dual anti-platelet therapy and further reduce the risk of heart-related events.