Final answer:
The preferred treatment for variant angina includes the use of nitroglycerin for immediate relief and calcium channel blockers for long-term management. Lifestyle changes and management of underlying risk factors are also important. In some cases, angioplasty with stenting or bypass surgery may be required.
Step-by-step explanation:
Preferred Treatment for Variant Angina
The preferred treatment for variant angina, which is a type of chest pain caused by spasms in the coronary arteries, includes both medical and lifestyle approaches.
Immediate relief during an angina attack is often provided by nitroglycerin, an effective vasodilator administered sublingually to relax the smooth muscle in the coronary vessels quickly.
However, the long-term management focuses on the prevention of spasms and might include lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation, regular exercise, and dietary modifications. Medications to prevent spasms could involve calcium channel blockers as they help to relax blood vessels and reduce the frequency of angina attacks.
At times, long-acting nitrates might be prescribed as well. In more severe cases, or if medical management is inadequate, interventional procedures such as angioplasty with stenting or even bypass surgery might be indicated, but these are less commonly used in this form of angina compared to stable angina.
In addition to these treatments, it is important for individuals with variant angina to manage any underlying risk factors such as high cholesterol and high blood pressure, which might involve statins or antihypertensive drugs.
A key goal is to slow the progression of atherosclerosis, which is a significant contributor to coronary artery disease. Despite the various options available for managing angina, the specific course of treatment should be tailored to the individual's specific needs and medical condition, in consultation with their healthcare provider.