Medical management of angina pectoris.

: Nitroglycerin should be the first agent prescribed for patients with angina pectoris. When nitroglycerin is used daily, a trial with longer-acting nitrates (eg, isosorbide dinitrate) is warranted. If angina persists, use of beta-adrenergic blocking agent (propranolol) should be considered. Appropriate use of nitrates and propranolol, singly or in combination, will relieve angina pectoris due to coronary heart disease in most patients.