Antianginal agents

Antianginal remedies are those that are part of a group of medications prescribed for the treatment of angina pectoris. This disease is characterized by painful attacks in the heart area, 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).

Classification of antianginal drugs includes four main groups:

1. Nitrites and nitrates of organic origin - such medicines as "Nitroglycerin", "Nitrogen", "Sustak", "Amilnitrite".

2. The drugs that carry out the blockade of calcium channels - "Nifedicin", "Verapamil", "Diltiazem."

3. Beta-adrenoblockers - funds "Popranolol", "Atenolol", "Metoprolol".

4. Miotropic drugs with coronary-extending properties - "No-shpa", "Papaverin", "Dipiridamol".

The main cause of angina pectoris is a decrease in the amount of oxygen entering the coronary arteries as the demand for myocardium increases. 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 saturation of the myocardium with oxygen. This action can be carried out in one of two directions:

1. Effects on the circulatory process by dilating the coronary vessels, as a result of which the volume of oxygen delivered increases.

2. Influence on the myocardium or peripheral vessels, which reduces the work of the heart and reduces its need for oxygen.

Antianginal drugs affecting the bloodstream belong to the group of myotropic drugs. They are recommended for angina pectoris in its initial stages, as well as for young patients, since these medications have little effect on the functioning of coronary vessels. The greatest effect of the drugs of this group is able to produce the drug "Dipiridamol", but it is not prescribed for ischemia, which is a consequence of atherosclerosis.

Antianginal drugs, which find the greatest application in modern therapeutic practice, are able to affect the body through various mechanisms. They are the initiators of the process of expanding the coronary arteries and reduce the work of the heart muscle. These drugs include the group of organic nitrates, beta-adrenoblockers and potassium antagonists.

The main way to take an acute attack of angina is to take the drug "Nitroglycerin". This drug is part of the group of nitrites and nitrates of organic origin. It has the ability to rapidly penetrate the bloodstream and the speed of the therapeutic effect. However, its effect on the body lasts no more than thirty minutes. To provide a longer exposure, Sustak and Nitrogen preparations have been developed, including nitroglycerin, encapsulated in microcapsules. This allows these drugs to gradually release in the digestive tract and have a positive effect on the body for three to four hours. Preparations of this group normalize the pressure in the veins and arteries and cause the heart muscle to work in a regime of favorable loads. This process reduces the oxygen demand for the myocardium.

Antianginal agents blocking calcium channels, reduce the number of myocardial contractions and cardiac output. Their influence on the body is associated with cardiodepressive action. These drugs block the channels of calcium intake into the conduction system of the heart, which facilitates the removal of spasms of smooth muscles and increased oxygen supply to the myocardium.

Antihistamines of the beta-adrenoblocker group are able to prevent the action of adrenaline. Thus, these drugs reduce the growth of blood pressure, tachycardia and heartbeats, provoked by stressful situations and muscular load.