Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX
Management recommendations for stable angina according to the NICE CKS angina topic include:
- Information and support: Clearly explain the diagnosis, factors provoking angina, long-term course, and management to the patient, involving family or carers as appropriate. Encourage questions and address misconceptions about angina, its impact on daily activities, heart attack risk, and life expectancy. Advise seeking medical help if angina worsens suddenly 12.
- Lifestyle advice: Assess and offer interventions for smoking cessation, diet, weight control, exercise, and psychological support including stress, anxiety, and depression management 12.
- Drug treatment for symptom relief: Prescribe short-acting nitrates (e.g., sublingual glyceryl trinitrate) for rapid relief and prevention before exertion, with clear instructions on use and when to seek emergency help 126.
- First-line anti-anginal drugs: Offer either a beta blocker or a calcium channel blocker (CCB) based on comorbidities, contraindications, and patient preference. If one is not tolerated, switch to the other 12.
- Second-line anti-anginal drugs: If beta blockers and CCBs are contraindicated or not tolerated, consider monotherapy with a long-acting nitrate, ivabradine, nicorandil, or ranolazine, choosing based on comorbidities, contraindications, patient preference, and cost 12345.
- Combination therapy: If symptoms persist on one drug, consider switching or combining beta blockers and CCBs (using dihydropyridine CCBs when combined). Add a third anti-anginal drug only if symptoms are uncontrolled with two drugs and the patient is awaiting or unsuitable for revascularisation 1.
- Secondary prevention: Consider aspirin 75 mg daily after assessing bleeding risk and comorbidities. Offer statins according to lipid modification guidelines. Treat hypertension per hypertension guidelines. Consider ACE inhibitors especially in patients with diabetes or other relevant conditions 12.
- Do not offer: Vitamin or fish oil supplements for stable angina as there is no evidence of benefit 12.
- Referral: Refer to a cardiologist for angiography and possible revascularisation if angina persists despite optimal drug treatment or if there is evidence of extensive ischaemia on ECG 12.
- Other considerations: Do not exclude patients from treatment based on age or ethnicity. Review treatment response and side effects 2–4 weeks after initiation or change. Provide individualized information about medicines and their use 1.