Medicinal Chemistry, 2nd Edition

Chapter 19

Antianginal Drugs

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Define angina pectoris, their implications, and treatment options

• Categorize antianginal drugs based on the target on which they act

• Describe the mode of action of various antianginal drugs

• Define nitric oxide and its importance in angina

• Describe the importance of aspirin in the treatment of angina

• List some newer agents in the treatment of angina

19.1 INTRODUCTION

‘Angina pectoris’ is the medical term for chest pain or discomfort due to coronary heart disease. Angina is a symptom of a condition called myocardial ischaemia. It occurs when the heart muscle does not get as much blood (hence, as much oxygen) as it needs. This usually happens because one or more of the heart’s arteries are ...