Which medication class is recommended for treating vasospastic angina?

Calcium channel blockers are recommended for treating vasospastic angina primarily because they work by relaxing the smooth muscles of the coronary arteries. This action effectively dilates these vessels, which can alleviate or prevent the spasms that characterize vasospastic angina. By reducing the frequency and severity of coronary artery spasms, calcium channel blockers help improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to the heart muscle.

This class of medication is particularly useful in cases where angina is triggered by factors such as stress or exposure to cold, allowing for better management of symptoms associated with reduced coronary blood flow. Their efficacy in specifically addressing the spasmodic nature of this type of angina makes them the preferred choice among pharmacological therapies.

While beta blockers reduce heart rate and myocardial oxygen demand, they are less effective for vasospastic angina since they might not alleviate the spasms directly. Long-acting nitrates can help with anginal relief but may not be as successful in managing the dynamic changes in coronary artery tone associated with vasospastic episodes. Antiplatelet agents are crucial in preventing thrombotic events but do not have a direct role in treating vasospastic angina itself. Thus, calcium channel blockers stand out as the most effective option for addressing this specific