Angina treatment available online today
Request treatment for angina online from our trusted, board-certified doctors and find relief from pain and weakness. Get a new prescription to treat angina or refill an existing prescription today.*
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Alleviate chest discomfort such as squeezing or tightness
Incorporate weight management and regular exercise
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*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor's discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how to save up to 80% with our prescription discount card. PlushCare doctors cannot treat all cases of angina. Our primary care physicians can conduct an initial evaluation of your symptoms but may need to refer you to a specialist or for in-person treatment. If you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Learn about angina
Angina is a type of chest pain. It can feel like a squeezing, pressure, heaviness, or tightness in the chest.
Angina isn't a medical condition. Instead, it's a warning sign of heart disease. Although angina pain is common, it's not always easy to distinguish angina from other types of chest pain. If you experience unexplained chest pain, seek medical attention.
Angina causes
Angina is caused by the painful tightening of the heart muscle. It happens when the heart needs more oxygen-rich blood than the body can supply.
Angina is a warning sign of an underlying health condition, such as:
Coronary artery disease (CAD): Coronary artery disease is the most common cause of angina. It happens when deposits (plaques) build up in the arteries. These arteries narrow or harden, limiting blood flow to the heart.
Coronary microvascular disease (MVD): Women are more likely to experience angina pain from MVD. MVD damages the walls and lining of blood vessels that stem from the coronary arteries. This decreases blood flow to the heart, leading to coronary spasms.
Coronary spasms: When coronary spasms happen, the coronary arteries tighten and open up. These spasms temporarily restrict blood flow to the heart.
Angina symptoms
Most people with angina experience chest pain and pressure. Sometimes, angina can feel like a squeezing sensation or heavy weight lying on the chest.
In addition to chest pain, some people also experience pain in the arms, neck, jaw, shoulder, or back. Angina can also cause other symptoms, including:
Dizziness
Weakness
Nausea
Shortness of breath
Sweating
These sensations typically last a few minutes before going away. They can worsen when you climb stairs, exercise, or feel stressed. It's important to talk to your healthcare provider if you notice any new or worsening symptoms.
How to treat angina
There are several treatment options for angina chest pain, including:
Lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight and exercising
Angina medications
Angioplasty and stenting
Open-heart surgery (coronary bypass surgery)
The goal of treatment is to reduce the severity of symptoms and relieve angina. Proper treatment can also lower your risk of a heart attack and death.
Angina medication
If healthy lifestyle changes don't improve your symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medications to relieve angina. Medications to treat angina chest pain may include:
Nitrates
Nitrates relax and widen blood vessels, promoting blood flow to the heart. The most common type of nitrate used to treat angina is nitroglycerin.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers slow down your heartbeat, which lowers blood pressure. These medications also relax blood vessels to improve blood flow.
How to prevent angina
Most health conditions that cause angina are preventable. You can take the following steps to improve your heart health:
Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine
Eat a heart-healthy diet
Find healthy ways to manage stress
Lose weight and maintain a healthy weight
Seek health care to manage high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes
Quit smoking and limit your alcohol consumption
When to see a doctor for angina
If your angina attacks last longer than a few minutes and don't go away when you take medications, you may be having a heart attack. Seek emergency medical help immediately.
If chest pain is a new symptom , talk to your healthcare provider to find the best treatment option. If you've been diagnosed with stable angina and your symptoms change, seek medical attention.
Angina treatment FAQs
What is the best treatment for angina?
The best treatment for angina will depend on the severity and type of angina. If you have stable angina, your doctor may recommend nitrates or beta-blockers to relieve symptoms. In addition, lifestyle changes can help lower your risk of heart disease and prevent angina attacks.
Which medication is used in the treatment of angina?
There are four types of medications used to treat stable angina:
Nitrates
Beta-blockers
Calcium channel blockers
Ranolazine
Nitrates and beta-blockers are the preferred treatment options, and calcium channel blockers may be prescribed to control angina if needed. Your doctor will recommend medications depending on the frequency of your angina attacks.What is the treatment for stable angina?
Nitrates and beta-blockers are the primary treatments for stable angina. These medications can be especially helpful for people who experience angina chest pain during physical activity.
What are the main causes of angina?
Angina is caused when the arteries supplying blood to the heart muscles become narrowed due to the buildup of fatty substances. Coronary artery disease is the main cause of angina.
Is angina life-threatening?
Angina is not usually life-threatening, but it's a warning sign that you could be at risk of a heart attack or stroke. If you experience any chest pain, your doctor can help you determine the underlying cause and find the best treatment approach.
If your pain comes on suddenly, is severe, or lasts longer than a few minutes, seek medical attention immediately. These could be signs of a heart attack.
What does an angina attack feel like?
Most people describe angina attacks as a squeezing sensation in the chest. You might also feel discomfort in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, abdomen, or back.
3 simple steps to request treatment for angina today
Step 1
Book an angina treatment appointment.
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your angina symptoms.
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up prescription for angina treatment.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Related conditions to angina
Hypertension
High blood pressure (hypertension) makes your heart work harder to pump blood. If you have angina, high blood pressure can exacerbate your symptoms and increase the risk of a heart attack.
Precordial catch syndrome
Precordial catch syndrome is a type of chest pain. It occurs when the nerves in the front of the chest are squeezed. This condition is not a medical emergency and typically causes no harm.
Anemia
Serious iron-deficiency anemia can cause chest pain. Before invasive tests, healthcare providers should check hemoglobin levels in patients with angina.
Panic attacks
Panic attacks can mimic heart attacks, and many people may seek medical attention after a panic attack due to anxiety. Although chest pain can be a frightening symptom, most panic attack symptoms go away within a few minutes.
Heart attack
Angina is a warning sign that you could be at risk of a heart attack. If you experience angina chest pain with nausea, weakness, fatigue, or sweating, seek medical attention immediately.
Angina treatment pricing details
How pricing works
To request angina treatment and get a new or refill on your prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
Copay
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
$129
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
American Heart Association. Angina (Chest Pain). Accessed on July 6, 2022. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/angina-chest-pain
Cleveland Clinic. Angina. Accessed on July 6, 2022. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21489-angina
Mayo Clinic. Angina. Accessed on July 6, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/angina/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369378
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.