Antianginal drugs are those that are part of the group of medicines prescribed for the treatment of angina pectoris. This disease is characterized by pain attacks in the heart region, as well as in the left arm or shoulder blade. The name of the drugs prescribed for angina comes from the name of this pathology in Latin - Angina pectoris (angina pectoris).
The classification of antianginal drugs includes four main groups:
1. Nitrites and nitrates of organic origin - such medicines as Nitroglycerin, Nitrong, Sustak, Amyl nitrite.
2. Drugs that block the calcium channels - “Nifedicin”, “Verapamil”, “Diltiazem”.
3. Beta-blockers - means "Popranolol", "Atenolol", "Metoprolol".
4. Myotropic drugs with coronary-expanding properties - “No-shpa”, “Papaverine”, “Dipyridamole”.
The main cause of angina pectoris is a decrease in the amount of oxygen entering the coronary arteries with an increase in myocardial demand. Such a process can occur with an increase in the frequency and strength of contractions of the heart muscle in stressful situations or during physical exertion. Antianginal drugs contribute to the saturation of the myocardium with oxygen. This action can be performed in one of two directions:
1. Impact on the circulatory process by expansion of the coronary vessels, resulting in increased oxygen delivered.
2. The effect on the myocardium or peripheral vessels, which reduces the work of the heart and reduces its need for oxygen.
Antianginal drugs that affect the bloodstream belong to the group of drugs of myotropic action. They are recommended for angina pectoris at its initial stages, as well as for young patients, since these medicines have little effect on the functioning of the coronary vessels. The medicine “Dipyridamole” is capable of producing the greatest effect from the drugs of this group, but it is not prescribed for ischemia resulting from atherosclerosis.
Antianginal drugs, which are most used in modern therapeutic practice, are able to affect the body using various mechanisms. They are the initiators of the process of expansion of the coronary arteries and reduce the functioning of the heart muscle. Such drugs include those belonging to the group of organic nitrates, beta-blockers and potassium antagonists.
The main way to urgently relieve an acute attack of angina pectoris is to take the Nitroglycerin drug. This drug is part of the group of nitrites and nitrates of organic origin. It has the ability to quickly penetrate into the bloodstream and the speed of providing a therapeutic effect. However, its effect on the body lasts no more than thirty minutes. To provide a longer effect, Sustak and Nitrong preparations have been developed, which include nitroglycerin in microcapsules. This allows these drugs to be gradually released in the digestive tract and have a positive effect on the body within three to four hours. The drugs of this group normalize the pressure in the veins and arteries and make the heart muscle work in a favorable load mode. This process reduces the oxygen demand for the myocardium.
Calcium channel blocking antianginal drugs reduce myocardial contractions and cardiac output. Their effect on the body is associated with a cardiodepressive effect. These drugs block the channels of calcium entry into the conduction system of the heart, which helps to relieve spasm of smooth muscles and increase oxygen supply to the myocardium.
The antihistamines of the beta-adrenergic blocking group are able to prevent the action of adrenaline. Thus, these drugs reduce the increase in blood pressure, tachycardia and heart contractions, provoked by stressful situations and muscle load.