Some blockages are emergencies and require prompt treatment. When angina is caused by coronary artery disease, the first step in treatment is establishing a healthy lifestyle. Often the symptoms of angina can be controlled by medication. Several types of medication are available, including beta-blockers, nitrates, and calcium channel blockers. The type of medication you take is based on your test results and other medical problems.
Balloon angioplasty is a simpler procedure than coronary bypass surgery.
Blood can then flow normally again. If you have this surgery, you will need only a brief hospital stay of a day or two. Coronary bypass graft surgery involves opening the chest and allowing the blocked areas of artery to be bypassed. Arteries from the chest, abdomen, or arm or veins from the leg are used to bypass the areas of blockage in the heart artery. This procedure usually requires a stay in the hospital for up to 1 week or more and requires several weeks for recovery.