are statins used for angina
Statins have demonstrated clear benefits in morbidity and mortality in the secondary prevention of coronary artery disease; other medications that can be used in addition to statins to lower cholesterol include ezetimibe, fibrates, and nicotinic acid. When blood flow is reduced sufficiently in the arteries that supply blood to the heart, the result is angina (chest pain) or a heart attack. If reduced flow is caused by plaques in the arteries of the brain, the result is a stroke. Sublingual glyceryl trinitrate relieves acute anginal symptoms. Patients with newly diagnosed angina, or those with suspected angina waiting for further assessment, should be given a sublingual nitrate (either a spray or tablet) to use at the onset of angina. Anginal symptoms of coronary artery disease can be treated with beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, nitrates, or any combination of these. Familiarity with these medications and with the evidence supporting their use is essential to reducing morbidity and mortality in patients with coronary artery disease. All patients with stable angina should be treated with aspirin and a statin, unless contraindicated.1 ACE inhibitors are recommended for patients with co-existing conditions that would benefit from this treatment (Table 2). Table 2: Medicines to improve prognosis for stable angina (adapted from Abrams, 2005)2. Stable coronary artery disease (CAD) is defined as an established pattern of angina pectoris, a history of myocardial infarction (MI), or the presence of plaque documented by catheterization.1 CAD results when coronary artery plaque develops, reducing the oxygen supply to the myocardium. Lipid-lowering therapy is necessary to decrease low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to a target level of less than 100 mg per dL, and physicians should consider a goal of less than 70 mg per dL for very high-risk patients. Statins is a class of drugs that lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood by reducing the production of cholesterol by the liver. (The other source of cholesterol in the blood is dietary cholesterol.) Statins block the enzyme in the liver that is responsible for making cholesterol. This enzyme is called hydroxy-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA reductase). Scientifically, statins are referred to as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. For example, scientists have discovered that inflammation in the walls of the arteries may be an important factor in in the development of atherosclerosis. In addition to lowering cholesterol levels, statins also reduce inflammation, which could be another mechanism by which statins beneficially affect atherosclerosis. Blood pressure therapy for patients with coronary artery disease should start with beta blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. If these medications are not tolerated, calcium channel blockers or angiotensin receptor blockers are acceptable alternatives.
Yes, Angina should be treated by statin.